B3 - Obits

Retta Brinkerhoff passed away in the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman on Thursday morning, Nov. 3 at the age of 89 years and 2 months. She was born August 12, 1888 to George and Marry Sowers in Table Rock, Nebr.

Retta was married to John L. Dixon in 1906. Four children were born in this union. Mr. Dixon passed away in 1928. In 1931 Retta and Charles W. Brinkerhoff were married.

Mrs. Brinkerhoff and her husband Charlie, operated a grocery store in Parks for several years and she was a correspondent for the Post during her active years. She was a member of the United Methodist church and had received a 50 year pin as a member of United Methodist Women. Mrs. Brinkerhoff was a member of the Extension Club of Parks.

Both husbands preceded her in death along with her parents, three sisters Jessie, Kate and Hope; two brothers George and Harry Sowers; 2 sons, James and Bobby Dixon; a step-daughter Elise Richardson and a step-son, Louis Brinkerhoff.

Survivors include her daughters Mrs. Lily White of Haigler, Nebr. and Mrs. Lucille Douat of Galt, Calif.; seven grandchildren: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ridwell and family of Fullerton, Calif; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hansen and family of Woodrow, Colo; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Herring and family of Vallejo, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Leslie White and family of Haigler; Mr. and Mrs. Rodney White and family of Wray, Colo.; Dallas Dixon of Louisiana and 21 great-grandchildren.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1934

James Henry Brissenden

James Henry Brissenden, the son of Morris and Sarah Brissenden, was born at Clay City, Illinois on March 6, 1859 and passed away at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska, on October 31, 1934, aged 75 year, 7 months and 25 days.

He was reared to manhood at Clay City, Illinois, and was married to Sarah Melissa Larimore on March 10, 1880. They lived on a farm until 1885, when they moved to Benkelman, Nebraska, where they homesteaded land 4 1/2 miles northeast of Parks, Nebraska and joined the country's early pioneers. They endured the privations and hardships until December 1891 when they moved to Denver, Colorado, and lived there until 1913 when they returned to Benkelman. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church during the pastorate of Rev. George Almond, since which time he had been custodian of the church.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Camilla Mosser and Mrs. Bertha Wooters; also nine grand children and one great grand child and two brothers, Fred of Bridgeport, Illinois and Frank of Clay City, Illinois, besides a host of other relatives and friends. An only son, Ralph, preceded him in June 1920.

A good man has gone, one who was highly respected and loved, one who always set a high standard to live by. He followed Him who hath said, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Friday at 2 p. m, Rev. Schwabauer being assisted by Rev. J. C. Foster. Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Mabel Lewis, Mrs. C. A. Ratcliffe, Lloyd Boswell and R. D. Druliner, with Mrs. D. L. Ough at piano. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1984

Agnes I. (McDonald) Bristow

Agnes I. Bristow, a former resident of Benkelman, died Sunday, April 1, 1984, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, at the age of 84 years.

She was born September 20, 1899, in Buena Vista, Colorado, and had lived in Cheyenne since 1952. She was a daughter of the late Donald and Katie McDonald who made their retirement home in Benkelman. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, originally of Benkelman, spent many years in Colorado where Mr. McDonald was employed as a section foreman with the Burlington, Denver and Rio Grande railroads.

Mrs. Bristow was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Rice McDonald, and a sister, Jane Smart.

Survivors include four daughters: Madeline Janssen of Fort Lupton, Colorado, Bonnie Heinde of Brigsdale, Colorado, Iris Evanoff of Henderson, Colorado, and Mary Lou Gear of Lincoln; four sons: Ray of Tooele, Utah, Marvin of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Dale of Greeley, Colorado, and Everett of Salt Lake City, Utah; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 3, at 3:30 p.m. at the Wiederspahn Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, April 4.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 2006

Daniel Lee Brockway

At the age of 59. Daniel Lee Brockway died on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Stratton, Neb.

He was born on April 19, 1946, at Lyons. Neb., to Marion and Eva (Matson) Brockway, and was a member of the graduating class of 1964 at Lyons High School.

He was united in marriage to Gladys Schademan on Jan. 22, 1966, and to this union. four children were born: Corey, Carri. Candi and Casha.

Dan worked in the grocery business for many years. He began his career at Smith Market in Lyons and in July 1966, he joined Safeway Foods where he worked as an assistant meat manager at their Wahoo. Neb., store. He was transferred with his family to the company's Norfolk. Neb., store in 1968. In 1970, Dan accepted a position as meat manager at West Point, Neb.. where he worked until the food chain was sold in 1982. He then moved with his family to Stratton, Neb., and was a truck driver in the oil field until he was injured in1988. Dan and his family owned and operated a USDA K-9 Kennel from 1983 to 1997. He was a part-time school bus driver for Stratton Public Schools for several years, where he enjoyed interacting with students of all ages.

Dan's love of food and auctions led him to start "Lil' Brocks," a portable concession stand that he operated from 1991 to 2002. With the encouragement of his wife, Brock's Family Bar and Grill was born in1996, and successfully run until April 2005.

Throughout his life, Dan was active in his community. While in West Point, he was a volunteer EMT, and after moving to Stratton, he became a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus organization. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton and sponsored numerous children in the Catholic Youth Organization. He was also a member of the town board for several years.

Dan loved being around people, but his greatest love was spending time with his family and friends. Everyone who knew him will cherish his boisterous laugh which brought a quick smile to everyone's face.

Preceding him in death were his parents: his in-laws. Leo and lona Gatzemeyer: an infant grandchild: brother-in-law Cliff Gatzemeyer: sister-in-law LaVonne Brockway. and numerous aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 40 years. Gladys Brockway. of Stratton: son Corey Brockway of McCook, Neb.: daughters Carri Hall and husband, Greg, of McCook, Candi Brennan of Stratton, and Casha O'Byrne and husband, Dan, of Trenton. Neb.; grandsons Alex Whipps, Johnny Brennan. Daniel Brennan, Zachary Whipps and Chris O'Byrne; brother Marion "Bud" Brockway and wife. Susan. of New Port Beach, Calif.; sister Betty Baker of Corona. Calif.:sisters-in-law Sharon Siebrandt and husband, Fred, of Bancroft. Neb., and Ellen Cornwell and husband. Dennis, of Jenks, Okla.. and numerous other relatives and friends.

A rosary was recited Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006. at 7 p.m. CST at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton, by the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. A memorial service and mass of Christian burial was held on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Sean Redmond as celebrant. Dan Ladenburger was the acolyte and Frank Stehno the lector. Servers were Patrick Lorens and Michael Lorens. Marjorie Redfield was the organist and mass responses were led by Larry Hubl, Arlan Wine, Wallace Gummere, Richard Stahly and Milton Hegwood sang "Be Not Afraid," “On Eagles Wings," "One Bread, One Body" and "How Great Thou Art." Inurnment selections by Crystal Walker were "One More Day" and "Daddy's Hands."

Urn bearers were Corey Brockway. Carri Hall. Candi Brennan. Casha O'Byrne. Alex Whipps, Johnny Brennan, Zach Whipps, Danny Brennan and Chris O'Bvrne.

Honorary bearers were Dexter and Sandra Critel, John Brennan, Charlie and Mary Morsett, and all of Dan's friends and card playing friends. Dan's grandsons were in change of the presentation of gifts. The 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus served as the honor guard

Inurnment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton, with arrangements under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1976?

John Owen Brooks

John Owen Brooks, the father of two Goodland, Kans., men, was visiting in the Sherman county seat when he died Friday morning, September 3, according to the Goodland Daily News. He was 73.

His sons in rural Goodland are Jim and Gene Brooks. He is survived by his widow.

Brooks was in the sanitation business in the area for many years before retiring to New Port Richey, Florida, eight years ago. Mr. Brooks and his family lived in Benkelman during World War II years and for several years in the post-war period. They occupied the stone house and improvements south of the Dundy County fairgrounds, now owned by his son Steve, a successful jockey campaigning on major horse racing tracks from World War II and for some 20 years following. The place is now occupied by James Powell, Jr.

Brooks, the son of Jake J. and Cora Brooks, was born February 5, 1903. He married Sarah L. Pettey November 28, 1921 in McCook, Nebraska.

He is survived by 11 children, including Jim and Gene; Steve of Paris, Kentucky; Fred of Greeley, Colo.; Jack and Gary of Saratoga, N.Y.; Jerry of Port Richey, Fla.; Valeria Henkel of Hudson, Fla.; Dorothy Baker and Donna Henkel of New Port Richey, Fla. ; and Lily White of Daytona, Fla.

He is also survived by 28 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.

Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 7, at the Calvary Full Gospel Church in Goodland with Rev. Dave Hampton officiating. Burial was in the Colby cemetery under the direction of the Sage and Smith Funeral Home of Goodland.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1978?

Steve Brooks

Funeral services were held Thurs., Sept. 27 in New Port Richey, Florida for jockey Steve Brooks, winner of the 1949 Kentucky Derby.

Brooks, a Culbertson native, died in Louisville, Kentucky at the age of 57.

Named to the Jockey Hall of Fame in 1962, Brooks died Sunday night, Sept. 23, at Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital where he had undergone surgery for a torn esophagus suffered when he fell from a horse several weeks ago.

The fall occurred at Arlington Park in suburban Chicago, where he was an exercise rider.

Brooks was born in a covered wagon south of Culbertson on Aug. 12, 1921. He was the son of John and Lou Brooks.

He spent is boyhood in Culbertson and there, at an early age, his career in racing began

At the age of 10 he helped his father break horses and at 14 he began riding horses in county fair races and country matches.

He was trained as a jockey by the late Edward Orin of Culbertson.

When Brooks was 16, he rode his first thoroughbred, Ormonette, which was owned by Orin. He travelled around the country racing Ormonette.

At 17, he made his racing debut on Coventry Cat and went as far as Shreveport, LA to race. He rode Coventry Cat to 70 wins.

In 1946, Brooks was ranked as the third leading rider in the nation.

He had 10 mounts in the Kentucky Derby, and won aboard Ponder in 1949. That year Brooks was the national leading money winner.

Ponder failed to win the Triple Crown, finishing fifth in the Preakness Stakes at Baltimore, which was won by Capot, and second in the Belmont Stakes in New York, also won by Capot.

Brooks often rode for Calumet Farm, Lexington, KY, which owned Ponder. For his picture for the Jockey Hall of Fame he wore the Calumet silks. His closest shot at winning another Derby came in 1952, when he finished second to Hill Gailsboard aboard Sub Fleet.

In 1952 Brooks won the Hollywood gold cup aboard Citation, the first horse to win $1 million.

He was also the recipient of the George Woolf Memorial Award and he was inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame at Ak-Sar-Ben in 1971.

Brooks' identification with Dundy County came about in the early 1940's when his parents were living in Benkelman. He purchased a 275-acre farm adjoining the Riverside Ranch west of Parks from Elizabeth A. and George F. Kuhlman of Parks on Dec. 20, 1943. He owned the property for two years, selling it to the late Charles G.

Ewing on Dec 13, 1945. Ewing owned the farm for two years selling the place to George and Lois Aufenkamp on Dec. 19,1947. The Aufenkamps lived on the farm for over a decade, selling the property to neighbor Larry Williams on Feb. 25, 1964, and moved to Ft Morgan, CO, to make their retirement home. Williams lives on the place.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1998

William Lee “Bill” Brott

STRATTON–William Lee “Bill” Brott died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 1998, at his rural Stratton, Neb., home.

Bill was born to Henry and Anna (Lofing) Brott on Aug. 3, 1934, on their farm near Madrid, Neb. He attended Madrid School, and was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Neb.

On Oct. 14, 1956, Bill married Donna Jean Emery at St. John's Church. They moved to the farm near Stratton in the spring of 1959. He farmed there until his death. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was involved in the National Guard as a young man.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Reiny, and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife; a son, William, of Stratton; daughters Brenda and Calvin Grube of Indianola, Neb., and Deanna Brott of McCook, Neb.; grandsons Austin, Brandon and Dalton; brothers Walter and Norma, Henry Jr. and Shirley, and John and Marion, all of Ogallala, Marvin and Lil of Chappell, Neb., Harvey and Jeanie of Elsie, Neb., Leo and Margarite of Madrid and Harry and Ethel of Denver, Colo.; sisters Rosey Powell of Concordia, Kan., and Katherine and Ronald Stuehm of Holdrege, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews.

Final rites for William Brott were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist and Wallace Gummere sang "The Lord's Prayer" and "Beyond The Sunset." Bearers were Roland and Dan Sandberg, Scott McDonald, Dick Baumfalk, Kent Lorens and Bill Enstrom. Honorary bearers were Ron and Garret Hardy, Reg and Richard Stahly, Virgil Littrel, Lynn Sutton and Bob O'Dea. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Stratton.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1996

Ruby (Clark) Brouse

LITTLETON, Colo.--Ruby (Clark) Brouse was born Jan. 2, 1902, at Stratton, Neb., to George and Ora Clark.

She died Saturday, April 13, 1996, at Porter Hospital in Littleton following a brief illness.

She attended school in Stratton, graduating with the class of 1920.

She married Coral Brouse. To this union three daughters, Marjorie, Helen and Margurite, and one son, Larry, were born.

The family moved to Littleton and later to a farm at Kiowa, Colo. She moved back into Littleton a few years ago.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Coral, in 1972; her son, Larry, in 1982; her daughter, Margurite, in 1989; two sisters, Ruth Russell in 1974 and Becky Felker in 1993, and a brother, Ross Clark, in 1982.

Those surviving include her daughter, Marjorie and husband, Harold Page of Littleton and Helen Schlip of Englewood, Colo.; two sisters, Mable Crow of Max, Neb., and Wynona and husband, Stephen Austin of Fair Oaks, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Littleton with burial beside her husband at Elizabeth, Colo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1990

Leila (Bosqui) Brown

AURORA, Colo.--Leila (Bosqui) Brown, 69, of Aurora, Colorado, died August 7, 1990, at Denver Presbyterian Hospital, Denver, Colorado.

She was born November 28, 1920, in Peking, China. Her parents were Edward Woolrich and Leila Bosqui. She grew up in San Francisco, California, and graduated from the Hamlin School.

She married Chief Petty Officer G. Gordon Brown on November 25, 1946. She lived part-time between Marin County, California, and Denver and Aspen, Colorado.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon, of Aurora, and three sons, Gordon Jr. and his wife, Gloria, of Trabuco Canyon, California, Edward and his wife, Mary, of Merced, California, and Bernard and his wife, Glenda, of Haigler, Nebraska.

She is also survived by one daughter, Leila (Lin) and husband, Ken Boucher, of McPherson, Kansas, and eight grandchildren, Terry, Richard, Claricy, Ami, Karen, Heidi, Keli and Darcy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Interment was at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.

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Wanda L. Brown, 76, died on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at a Portland, Ore., hospital.

Wanda was born on Jan. 30, 1931, to Hickey and Beulah (Welch) Baumfaulk, in Stratton, Neb., where she was educated.

On April 27, 1950, she married Paul Brown in Stratton. In 1953, the couple moved to St. Helens, Ore., where they lived for three years before moving to Warren, Ore. She was a homemaker who enjoyed garage sales and her grandchildren.

Mrs. Brown is survived by her husband, Paul Brown, of Warren; children Belinda Truedson of Hillsboro, Ore., and Roger Brown of Kalispell, Mont.; and siblings Arnold Baumfaulk of St. Helens and Loretta Heathers of Curtis, Neb. She is also survived by five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and interment were held on Monday, April 23, 2007, at Columbia Memorial Gardens.

BENKELMAN -- Viola E. Brown, 102, died Sunday, April 30, 2006, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

She was born Dec. 16, 1903, on her family's farm in Phillips County, Kan. She attended school in Benkelman with Hollywood actor Ward Bond.

On May 10, 1919, she married Ernest Foster Brown and to this union, eight children were born, all in Benkelman.

In addition to being loving wife and mother, she also worked as a cook at Youngton's Café in Benkelman for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Leota Bradley; her husband, Ernie in 1971; her daughters, Virginia Slade, Hazel Arts, and Bonnie Sloggett; her son Ernest "Bud" Brown; sister, Mildred Anderson; and several close relatives.

She is survived by her daughters, Doris Hagerstown of Escondido, Calif., Violet Smith of Wiggins, Colo.; her sons, Robert Brown of Hill Rose, Colo., Jack Brown and wife, Charlene of Fort Morgan, Colo; 30 grandchildren; 76 grandchildren; 86 great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves numerous other relatives, extended family and many friends.

Funeral services will be Friday 11 a.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Robert Holland officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1976

Ellen Louisa (Breedon) Brown

Ellen Louisa, second daughter of John Henry and Florilla Tyson Breedon, was born January 2nd, 1889, in a homestead dugout in Dundy County, Nebraska near the town of Max, and departed this life, February 25th, 1976, at the age of 87 years and 23 days, at her home in Warren, Oregon.

Ellen grew to womanhood in the locality where she was born. On August 8th, 1908 she was married to John William Brown, and they moved to a farm a few miles from the family home.

Six children were born to this union, Elizabeth Emma, Clyde Arnold, Dorothy Elaine, Phillip Dale, and Paul Donald. Also a son who died in infancy.

In 1917 they moved to Max to be closer to school.

They both joined the Church of Christ during the Revival Services of Mrs. Boast to which they both remained faithful the rest of their lives.

In March 1918 they moved to the James Brown homestead north of Max, where they resided until retirement.

In addition to being a good wife and mother, Mrs. Brown had various interests. She loved flowers, gardening, making quilts and reading.

She later made her home in Oregon where several members of her family had located.

She is survived by a sister, Ola McReynolds of Ashland, NE, a half-brother, Fred Scott, of Max, NE and her two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips of Max, NE and Mrs. Dorothy Heilers of St. Helens, OR and three sons, Clyde Brown and wife, Ruth, of Max, NE, Phillip who lived with his mother and Paul Donald and wife, Wanda, of Warren OR, eleven grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John William, an infant son, sons-in-law Amen Phillips of Max, NE, Leonard Heilers of St. Helens, OR. two sisters, Bessie Wilson and Grace Cole, father John Breedon, mother Florilla Scott and a stepfather, Fred Scott.

Funeral services were held in the Coleman Rushing chapel in St. Helens, OR on March 1st, 1976. Bob Giles, pastor of the Faith Temple, Longview, Washington, officiated.

Interment was in the Columbia Memorial Gardens, Scapoose, Oregon beside her son-in-law, Leonard Heilers.

Casket bearers were grandsons, William Heilers, Roger Brown, Harold Hinshaw, L. Lavern Heilers, Gail Manning, and Howard Shadley.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 2001

Violet Ida Lorraine (Denney) Brown

TWIN FALLS, Idaho--Violet Ida Lorraine Brown of Twin Falls passed away from the complications of a stroke on Saturday, June 9, 2001, surrounded by her family, at the Magic Valley Regional Medical Cents in Twin Falls.

She was born April 3, 1919, in Holbrook, Neb., to Roy and Blanche (Adams) Denney. She attended various grade schools and went to Benkelman (Neb.) High School.

In 1937 she was crowned Miss Dundy County, in Benkelman.

Later that year she married Marvin W. Dixon. They lived on a farm in Dundy County until they moved to Twin Falls in 1947. From this marriage they had three daughters: Gloria Ann, Janean Kay and Shirley Lea. They were later divorced.

She married Jake Stevens in 1953: he passed away in 1970. In 1973 she married Floyd 0. Brown; he passed away in 1983.

She was a member of the United First Methodist Church in Twin Falls.

She worked many places during her lifetime including the Green Stamp Store, the Gold Strike Store, Safeway, the OK Store, and eventually retiring from Conida Seed in Hazelton, Idaho.

Violet loved music and dancing, particularly line dancing. She tap danced with the Shim Sham Tappers and joined B.J. and Friends, a rhythm band which performed at numerous events and senior centers in the Magic Valley. She liked to crochet and made each grandchild an afghan upon graduation from high school. She raised bulldogs and had numerous pets throughout the years and loved them all.

Violet is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Gloria and Richard Jones and Janean and Dick Stocker of Twin Falls: grandchildren Holly and husband, Larry Dean. and children Nicole and Marc Brewster of Olympia. Wash., Julie and husband, John Huerta, and children Sidney and Dante of Boise, Idaho, Ralph Stocker of Lacey. Wash., Janelle Stocker of Pocatello, Idaho, LeAnn and husband Kevin Carreno and children Jordan and Lyndsay of London, England, and Douglas Clark of Vancouver, Wash., and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Shirley Lea (Dixon) Clark, her parents, brothers Roy and Kenned and sisters Pauline and Gwendolyn.

Funeral services for Violet Brown were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2001, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1999

Alva Marie (Dodge) Brown

WRAY, Colo.--Alva Marie Brown was born on March 4, 1905, to Dexter and Elizabeth Dodge in Traer, Kan. She died in Littleton, Colo., Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999.

Alva graduated in 1924 from Yuma County High School in Wray, Colo. She worked for Jake and Edna Brown on the farm and then began to work at the bank in Laird, Colo. On Nov. 23, 1927, she became the bride of Thomas A. Brown of Sanborn, Neb. To this union two children were born: Bette Frances and William Warren.

They lived and farmed in Sanborn, Brush and Fort Morgan, Colo., moving to Englewood, Colo., for eight years. They returned to Sanborn to live until retiring in Wray. Alva continued to live in Wray until she was 91, moving to Littleton to be near her daughter, son and grandchildren.

Alva loved caring for her children and grandchildren, gardening, canning, cooking and attending church and meetings of the Laird Community Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1975, her parents, two brothers and five sisters.

Survivors of Alva Brown include her daughter, Bette Henson; her son, William Brown; a grandson, Randall Brinkoff, wife Laurie and two children, Eric and Courtney; a granddaughter, Debbie, husband Steve Carr and two children, Clayton and Marcus; her sisters: Orba Campbell and Velma Frantz, and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Monday, Feb. 22, at the Wray United Methodist Church at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Merlene Barner officiating. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray. Spellman-Schmidt-Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1997

Joyce M. (Foster) Brown

HOUSTON--Joyce M. Brown, 59, of Houston, Texas, died on Sunday, Feb. 16, 1997, at her home. She was born on July 14, 1937, in Wray, Colo., the only child of Guy and Opal (Baker) Foster.

She grew up in Wray, then lived in various areas of Colorado. She moved to Priest River, Idaho, in 1972, returning to Fort Collins in the early '80s. She then moved to Houston in 1994.

Joyce was married to Donnie Brown from 1954-56. She was married to Keith Ellis from 1956-61. Three children were born to this marriage. Joyce was married to Clyde Suttle in 1963 and he died in 1991. There was one child born to this marriage. Joyce remarried her first love, Donnie Brown, 40 years later in Fort Collins in October 1994. They were living in Houston and preparing to enjoy their retirement there at the time of her death.

She worked many years as a waitress and cook at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Later, she was a manager's assistant for J.C. Penney's for several years. After her diagnosis of MS, she did some volunteer work in the Fort Collins area and completed her high school education. This was one of her lifelong dreams. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Parkwood Ward.

Joyce enjoyed life, her family, friends, gardening, crocheting, cooking and reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her third husband.

Survivors include 4 children: Deborah Clark of Fort Collins, William Ellis of Cheyenne, Wyo., Steve Suttle of Fort Collins and Robert Suttle of Westminster, Colo.; 10 stepchildren: Mark E. Brown, Kristie Parker, Mona Escoda and LeTonia McQuarrie of California, Delores Coleman of Nevada, Teresa Brown of Texas, and Ron, Mike, Darlene and LuAnn Suttle of Oregon and their respective spouses; 24 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Fort Collins. Burial was in the Haigler Cemetery at Haigler, Neb. Spellman-Schmidt-Baucke Mortuary of Wray was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1992

Emily Marie Earnestine (Brown) (Bible) Hansen

BENKELMAN—Emily Marie Earnestine Hansen was born July 28, 1897, in Hayes County, Nebraska, to Nels and Nelsine (Christensen) Hansen and died October 16, 1992, at the Veterans Home in Grand Island, Nebraska, at the age of 95 years, 2 months and 18 days.

Emily spent her early childhood on her parents' homestead in Hayes County with her two brothers, Nels and Hans, one half-sister, Mayme, and three half-brothers, Leonard, George and Raymond Lashley.

On February 9, 1918, she married Ora Otto Bible at McCook, Nebraska. To this union were born 10 children: 5 boys and 5 girls.

On December 22, 1948, she married John Jackson Brown. who preceded her in death on March 30, 1966, of cancer.

Also preceding her in death were four sons: Chris who died in infancy, Richard who was killed in Nancy, France, during World War II, Ernest Junior who was killed in an auto accident in 1951 and James Lowell who died of pneumonia when 10 days old; one grandson, Gary Clapp, and great-grandchildren Tamara Rae Balderson, a set of twins and Sean Michael Robson.

Survivors are 5 daughters: Leona Alta Wolfram of Atwood, Kansas, Rachel Maxine and her husband, Bert Porter, of Benkelman, Nebraska, Geneva Donelda and her husband, Herb Cohn, of Denver, Colorado, and Helen Irma Arlene Bible of Denver and Margaret Lucille Jones of Benkelman; 1 son, Albert Lee Bible. and his wife, Wyona, of Holdrege, Nebraska; 1 stepdaughter, Jerilea Esther (Brown) and her husband, Glen Beinhoff, of Holdrege; 21 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great-grandchildren.

Emily was active as a 4-H leader for several years. She was a Gold Star member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Herndon, Kansas, and a member of Sheba Rebekah Lodge #321 of Benkelman.

Services were held Wednesday, October 21, 1992, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman and Kelly Hayward, with guitar accompaniment, sang "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace" and 'The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Melvin Bible, Lonnie Bible, Roger Herrick, Darrel Jones, David Beinhoff and Richard Adams.

Honorary bearers were Tom Maranville, Ray Balderson, Mark Beinhoff, Joe Johnson, Eldon Adams, John Ream, Ronnie Herrick, Herbert Cohn, Jim Mullanix, Roger Vinne, Dan Dennis, Don Blair and Jon Maris.

Committal was by Sheba Rebekah Lodge #321 of Benkelman with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery at McCook, Nebraska, at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1994

Vera J. (Johnson ) Brown

AKRON, Colo.--Vera J. Brown was born November 20, 1917, at Hader, Nebraska, to John H. and Gladys (Kinney) Johnson, the eldest of five children. She died Wednesday, September 21, 1994, at the home of her daughter in Akron, Colorado.

Her father was a depot agent and the family moved frequently around northern Nebraska. Her educational years, therefore, were spent in various Nebraska schools.

On April 16, 1938, she was united in marriage to Maynard R. "Brownie" Brown in Albion, Nebraska. To this union one daughter and one son were born.

She worked for several years for Jack Lough in Albion at the newspaper office.

In 1954 the family moved to Haxtun, Colorado, and the following year to Yuma, Colorado. While it Yuma, Mrs. Brown worked at the dry cleaners and laundry.

Later she and her husband ran the lunch counter at the bowling alley.

In 1970 the Browns moved to Kimball, Nebraska, until he retired. They chose to spend their retirement years by residing in Yuma, Arizona, in the winters and Yuma and Akron, Colorado, in the summers.

Mrs. Brown's most recent home was at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Nebraska, where she could be near a dialysis center.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her oldest brother.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon, and her husband, Larry Higgins, of Akron; her son, Darrell, and his wife, Kathy, of Benkelman, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Kami Lamb of Akron, Ray and Julia Higgins of Georgetown, Colorado, Chris Higgins of Denver, Colorado, Michelle and Rod Elliot of The Colony, Texas, and Gary Monks and Erika Brown of Benkelman; four great-grandchildren: Andrew Lamb, Christopher and Sadie Higgins and Kaitlyn Elliot; two brothers: Dee Johnson and his wife, Berta, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Kenneth Johnson and his wife, Iva, of Fremont, Nebraska, and a sister, Wilda, and her husband, Gordon Buckles, of Kimball.

Funeral services were held Saturday, September 24, at 2 p.m. at Yeamans and Gordon Memorial Chapel in Akron with the Rev. James Miller of the First Baptist Church of Akron officiating.

Musical selections "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye" and "Love Me" were played during the service. Bearers were Erika Brown, Chris Higgins, Ray Higgins, Tyson Lambertson, Gary Monlcs and William B. Paynter IV.

Interment was in the Akron Cemetery with Yeamans and Gordon Memorial Chapel of Akron in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1981

Rossa Louise (Krutsinger) Brown

Rossa Louise Brown, the daughter of Louis and Alice Gordon Krutsinger, was born on September 10, 1885 on a homestead three miles northwest of Benkelman and died Tuesday, April 30, 1981 at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial at the age of 95. In 1888, her parents moved to a tree claim eight miles north of Parks, Nebraska. A sod house was built at this location. Rossa attended grade school at District No. 39 in Dandy County and later attended York College to work towards a teaching certificate.

Rossa was united in marriage to John E. Brown on May 3, 1906 at the Krutsinger home north of Parks, Nebraska. John and Rossa lived near Parks for three years and then homesteaded in Dandy County 18 miles northwest of Champion, Nebraska. To this union, seven children were born, four sons and three daughters. They include Kenneth, Irvin (known better as Bob), Lorene, Leo (known as Bill ), Nina, Don, and Imogene (known as Jean).

Rossa was a lover of outdoor life and the farm. Earlier years found her mounting her horse and going away to ride the range to check cattle or help her husband John with farming. She was a kind and loving mother and was always generous in furnishing food for any worthy occasion. She offered aid to any sick or ailing neighbor.

The joy of her life was her husband and family. She loved to have her family come home to visit. She attended Rollwitz Church which was close to their home. In 1960, they retired and moved to Champion, Nebraska. John and Rossa were married nearly 72 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers—Asher, Clode, Clarence and Willard, her daughter Lorene Grimes, loving husband, John; a grandson, Jim Welch and a great grandson, Billy Irvin Pawnee. She is survived by four sons. Kenneth and his wife Idella of Parks, Nebraska ; Bob and his wife, Helen, of Haigler, Nebraska; Bill and his wife, Bubbles of Westminster, Colorado; Don and two , daughters, Nina Fortkamp and her husband, Arthur, of Wauneta, Nebraska ; and Jean Welch and husband, Don of Champion, Nebraska ; 20 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren; one brother, Earl and his wife, Marie of Haigler, Nebraska ; two sisters-in-law, Grace „ Krutsinger of Benkelman, Nebraska ; Daisy Krutsinger of Lincoln, Nebraska and a sister, Maude Young of Lincoln, Nebraska and a lifetime accumulation of friends who now join the family in honoring the memory of her life.

The following poem was written by her daughter-in-law, Bubbles Brown, in tribute to her memory:

To "Mom" Brown

"And Her Children Arise Up —And Call her Blessed"

There's a face that I see in my memories-

Topped with hair of a silvery hue.

It's a face grown older in service-

A helper to all that she knew.

Her home was ever her castle,

Her greatest delight was the farm,

The horses, the cattle, her garden,

Her flowers, a center of charm.

Yes, she was an old-fashioned helpmate-

She has graciously poured out her life-

She has given her all to her loved ones-

She was a dear Mother, dear "Grammy, "dear wife.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1991

Wylene Rose (Minton) Brown

BENKELMAN--Wylene Rose (Minton) Brown was born January 29, 1923, in Loveland, Colorado, to Arthur William and Nellie Blanch (Breese) Minton.

She attended rural Dundy County schools to the eighth-grade level.

On September 30, 1938, she married Asa Rolland Brown in Atwood, Kansas. To this union eight children were born, with seven dying in infancy. The family resided in the Benkelman area until Asa's death in 1976.

Wylene was a housewife for many years, and, following Asa's death, worked at Miller Manufacturing in Stratton for several years. In 1982, she retired due to poor health and had since resided at home with her friends and pets.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Asa, her parents, one brother, Calvin Minton, one sister, Mina Maybelle Givens and her seven babies.

She is survived by one brother, Grant Minton of Grand Island, Nebraska, one daughter, Nellie Swale of Unadilla, Nebraska, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of friends and relatives.

Services were held Monday, January 21, 1991, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman with the Revs. Vernon Whetstone and Ron Boling officiating.

Ellen Boling was the organist and Beth Bolio was the soloist. The musical selection was "In The Garden."

Bearers were Larry Wilson, Bill Wiggins, Joe Reiman, David Merklin, Phil Minton and Tim Hanes. Honorary bearers were Wendell Castleberry, Dave Hender, Jim Wonderly and Jerrold Kuhns.

Interment was in Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the St. Francis, KS Herald in March 1965

Pearl May (Quimby) Brown

Pearl May Quimby was born in Wisconsin and when a small child moved with her parents and sister to a homestead north of Haigler, Neb. After a few years, they moved into Haigler, where she attended school, graduated, and then taught school for nearly three years. On April 10, 1906, she was united in marriage to George Clinton Brown to which union one daughter and two sons were born.

George and Pearl Brown established their first home on a homestead in Yuma County, Colo., where they resided until 1912 when they moved to Haigler, Neb. In 1917 they moved to the farm at Clough Valley, and resided there until retiring, at which time they lived for a while back in Haigler and then in St. Francis, Kan.

After the death of her husband George, in November, 1956, she continued to live in her home in St. Francis. In November, 1961 she moved to a small home in her son Leonard's yard on the home farm, as her health would not permit her living alone any longer. It was with much enjoyment that she lived on the farm where she and her husband George had spent so many happy years while raising their family.

Mrs. Brown had been in failing health for several months and after suffering a light heart attack, she entered the St. Francis hospital on February 4th. On February 11, she was moved to the Shrader Rest Home where she succumbed to another attack and went home to be with her Lord. Early in her married life, Mrs. Brown accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour and united with the Methodist Church of Haigler.

After moving to Clough Valley, she joined the Clough Valley Baptist church where she was a faithful member and regular attendant until her death.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her daughter, Vinnette Faylor, of Stanford University, California, Leonard, of the Clough Valley Community, and Maxon, of St. Francis, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

She was a kind and loving mother and her life exemplified a true Christian.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1950

Ethel Violet (Turman) Brown

Mrs. Art Brown passed away at the St. Francis hospital on Monday morning following a critical illness of many weeks during which period it was known that she could not recover. Her last illness was one of a series which extended over a five year period in which all was done in an effort to stem the course of a cancer affliction. Her courage throughout the trying years was an inspiration to those who were near her.

Funeral services were arranged by the Laughlin Funeral Home for Wednesday at the Methodist Church with Rev. H. T. Slagg in charge, and Rev. Frank Woodward assisting. Singers were Lloyd Boswell, John Baer, Mrs. Ann McEvoy and Mrs. Elizabeth Ough, with Mrs. Florence Hopkins at the piano. Pall bearers were Wilbur Elliott, Lee Hamilton, Max Earnest, Arden McDonald, Milo Spaulding and Lester Kline. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Among the out-of-town relatives attending the funeral were Mrs. Grace Smith, Manitou, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Cochran, Center, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bishop and family, McDonald, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Turman, Topeka, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Pfeifer, Hastings, Nebr.; Silas Brown, St. Francis, Kansas; Foster Brown, Palisade, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. John Roemmich, Haigler, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wilson, Denver, Colorado and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wilson, North Platte, Nebr.

Ethel Violet Turman, daughter of James M. and Clara E. Turman, was born at Wilsonville, Nebr., November 16, 1902, and after all that loving hands could do passed away at the St. Francis hospital on October 23, 1960, after a lingering illness of over five years, at the age of 47 years, 11 months and 7 days.

At an early age she joined the United Brethern Church and lived by its teachings through her life.

At the age of three years she moved with her parents to McDonald, Kansas, where she resided until the age of nine years when the family moved to Haigler, Nebr., where she grew to womanhood.

On February 17, 1919, she was united in marriage to Arthur Brown of Haigler. Nebr. To this union four children were born. Three children preceded her in death, Alice Irene, eight years of age, and two infant sons, Francis Royal and Harold Arthur. She is survived by her loving husband and daughter, Lucille Clark and her husband, Ralph, and six grandchildren. She was the youngest of eight children, six of whom survive, they being Mrs. Grace Smith, Manitou, Colo.; Kate Bishop, McDonald, Kan.; Roy and Fred, Benkelman, Nebr.; Lee of Topeka, Kan.; Mattie Cockran, Center, Colo. One brother passed away in 1946. She also leaves a host of other relatives and friends.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, January 14, 2004

Idella R. Brown

Wednesday, January 14, 2004

NORTH PLATTE -- Idella R. Brown, 88, of Benkelman, died Sunday (Jan. 11, 2004) at Linden Court Care Center in North Platte.

She was born Jan. 21, 1915, to Earl and Clara White in Idaho Springs, Colo. She came with her parents to Chase County in 1917. She attended rural grade school southwest of Champion and graduated from Chase County High School in 1932.

On July 5, 1932, she married Kenneth Brown. The couple farmed in the Chase County area for two years. In 1934, they moved to a farm north of Parks, where they spent all their married life. She had worked in Benkelman at Dundy County Hospital as a nurses aid. In 1965, she worked as Deputy Treasurer in Dundy County until she retired in 1977. Her husband, Kenneth passed away in May 5, 1995. She moved to the Sara Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman in March of 2000.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Parks and Benkelman, the Order of Eastern Star Holly Chapter No. 233 of Benkelman and various civic and social groups in the area. She was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award by the Dundy County Extension Service for her work with 4-H clubs in the area.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Clara White; her husband, Kenneth; her brothers, Kenneth White, Clarence White and K.Z. Earl; two sisters, Helen White and Betty Lee; daughter, Carol Cline; and one grandson, Dustan Wright.

Survivors include her daughters, Velda Wright and husband, Radean of rural Bird City; son, Dan of rural Parks; two granddaughters and a grandson; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services are Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at Benkelman United Methodist Church with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery. The casket will remain closed.

Friends may call Forch Funeral Chapel today, 2-6 p.m.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1988

Pearl (Whomble) Brown

Pearl Whomble was the second child born to John T. and Nora B. (Mozingo) Whomble on January 18, 1897, near Holbrook, Nebraska. She passed away at Haigler, Nebraska, May 20, 1988.

When Pearl was 13 years old, the family loaded their belongings into a covered wagon and moved to a farm south of Wray, Colorado.

She was married to William Ernest Brown, April 23, 1916, at the family home. They purchased the Jacobson farm south of Haigler, where they lived until Ernest passed away in 1971. She then moved to the home in Haigler in which she lived until her death.

Ernest and Pearl were the parents of six children: Beulah Oster, Haigler; Eldon and Maxine Brown, Wellington, Colorado; Dulcie Johanns, Bay City, Oregon; Dorothy and Rodney White, Wray; Donnie and June Brown, Haigler; and Dallas and Laura Brown, Haigler.

Pearl was so proud of each one of her 21 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

She was a loving, accepting person who was a friend of everyone, and a willing helper to anyone in need. She was "Mom" to her children's friends as they were growing up, and remained close to them until her death.

Preceding her in death were her parents. husband, two grandchildren. and one great-grandchild.

Choosing a natural death in home surrounding instead of using life support systems reflects the courage and faith of this wonderful pioneer lady.

Services were held Tuesday, May 24, 1988, at 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church, Haigler, officiated by the Rev. Ross Kershaw. The organist was Florence Daniels and the quartet consisted of Helen Woods, Virginia Harford, Ray Harford and Don Harford singing "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden." Bearers were Jimmie Bell, Bobby DeHart, Timothy White, Mark E. Brown, Gary Brown, Scott Brown, Billy DeHart, Kevin White, Stephan Brown, Alan Brown, Jerry Brown, Roger White, Mark T. Brown and Ricky Brown. Interment was in Haigler Cemetery. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelrnan.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1986

Arthur Ball Brown

Arthur Ball Brown was born July 28, 1898, in a sod house south of Parks, Nebraska, to Lizzie (McKinney) and Silas Brown.

He left home when he was 13 and lived with a neighbor for a while before venturing out into the world. Art was a mechanic and a "fixer" of things. He worked for different people in Benkelman before acquiring his own repair shop. His younger brother, Asa, worked for him for many years. Art was later forced by health problems to sell his business to Burdette Geihsler.

He was married to Ethel Turman on February 17, 1919, at Wray, Colorado. To this union four children were born, two boys and two girls. Ethel died in 1950 after a lengthy illness. He then married Blanche McKensey who passed away. He then married Pearl Miller who also passed away.

Art enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spent many hours at these activities.

Art died at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman on Friday, October 31, 1986.

He leaves one daughter, Lucille Clark; six grandchildren: Harold Stevens, Wayne Clark and wife, Marilyn, Betty Wilkens and husband, Jim, Bob Clark and wife, Judy, Gary Clark and Glenn Clark and wife, Carol; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Ethel, Blanche and Pearl; one daughter, Irene; two infant sons; his parents; three sisters, Irma, Mildred and Gertrude; two brothers, Asa and Ernie, and one son-in-law, Ralph Clark.

Services were held Monday, November 3, 1986, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Organist Betty Erdman accompanied soloist Kelly Hayward with the selections "Walk With Me" and "One Day At A Time."

Bearers were Leo Williams, Eugene Miller, Larry Cunningham, Merle Wallace, Carl Gunther and Burdette Geihsler.

Honorary bearers were Harold Chipperfield, Royce Smith, Byron Ham, Archie Jones, Harold Knoles, Floyd Rickard and Gay Bash.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the funeral conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1976

Asa Roland Brown

Funeral services were held for Asa Roland Brown at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman at 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon, January 8, 1976 with the Rev. Allan W. Martin officiating. A duet comprising Carol and Bob Sander sang "Mansion Over The Hilltop" and "The Old Rugged Cross Makes A Difference" accompanied by Betty Erdman on the organ. Casket-bearers were Dick Hiatt, Dick Hendrix, Leo McCullough, Merle Wallace, Elmer Hanes, Burdette Geihsler. Honorary bearers were Carl Stute, Bob Clark, Wayne Clark, Harold Stevens, Robert Forch, Leonard Gauger and Henry Stevens. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

Mr. Brown was born August 7, 1915 to Silas and Elizabeth McKinney Brown in Cheyenne County, Kansas and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman on Tuesday, January 6, 1976 at the age of 60 years, four months and 30 days.

He was married to Wylene Minton in Atwood, Kansas on September 30, 1938.

Asa, an auto mechanic by trade, began learning the trade under the tutorship of his brother, Arthur B. Brown, when he was eleven years old and was a member of the Brown garage staff until Art's retirement several years ago. He continued to work with the current proprietor, Burdette Geihsler, until a heart condition forced his retirement in June of 1975.

Asa was a man of many seasons, mechanically speaking. When commercial television made its first appearance in the region in 1955, he was among the first to own a set and pursued the trade as electronic repairman the rest of his life. Restoring automobiles and putting them in a serviceable condition was another of his hobbies. He and his wife, Wylene, had practically completed assembling a Volkswagen when he was seized by his last illness. He will be missed by his friends whose combustion engines of various sizes he kept in good repair as well as television set owners who depended upon him to keep their sets going.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Earnest Brown, and one sister, Mildred Roemmich and by seven children.

Asa is survived by his wife, Wylene, of Benkelman; his daughter, Nellie Swale and two grandchildren, Tamara Sue and Tommy, Jr., of Lincoln, Nebraska; his mother-in-law, Nellie Snyder, his brother, Arthur B. Brown, his sister, Irma Waterman, and one sister-in-law. Viola Brown, all of Benkelman, and by many nieces and nephews and by many other relatives.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, July 19, 2005

Clyde Arnold Brown

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

July 27, 1912-July 17, 2005

BENKELMAN -- Clyde Arnold Brown, 92, died Sunday (July 17, 2005) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

He was born July 27, 1912, to William and Ellen (Breeder) Brown on their farm, northeast of Max.

He married Ruth Maxwell in 1935.

He worked as a farm laborer as well as running his own farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ellen Brown; two sisters, Elizabeth Phillips and Dorothy Heilers; two brothers, Roy Brown and Phillip Brown; and granddaughter, Karen Scott.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Benkelman; two daughters, Betty Scott and husband, Rodney of North Platte and Barbara Rossbach and husband, Douglas of Humbolt, Iowa; brother, Paul Donald Brown and wife, Wanda of Warren, Ore.; grandchildren, Steven Scott, Kent Scott and Lynne Eddins; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be Thursday, 10 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Thurman officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, 5-6 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel.

Memorials are being accepted in his name at the Max United Methodist Church or the Max Community Club.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1997

Ernest "Bud" Vaughn Brown

BRUSH, Colo.--Ernest "Bud" Vaughn Brown died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 1997, at the Eben Ezer Care Center in Brush, Colo.

He was born in a sod house in the Northeast Hiddleston Addition of Benkelman, Neb., to Ernest and Viola (Bradley) Brown on Oct. 22, 1922. He was the second-born child of eight brothers and sisters.

He attended the Benkelman schools and entered the United States Air Force on April 6, 1943. Following his discharge from the Air Force, he moved to Louisiana and worked as a welder in the oil fields. In 1958, he married Barbara Cole and to this union were born two sons.

He was preceded in death by his father; his sisters, Virginia Slade, Hazel Irene Artz and Bonnie Bell Sloggett; a nephew, Jackie Brown, and a stepson, Charles Cole.

He is survived by his mother, Viola Brown, of Benkelman; two sons, Ernest Brown II and Robert Wm. Brown, both of Kerner, La.; a stepdaughter, Deborah Caeuson, of Mobile, Ala; two brothers, Robert of Hill Rose, Colo., and Jack of Commerce City, Colo; two sisters, Doris Hagerstrom of Escondido, Calif., and Violet Smith of Thornton, Colo.; five grandchildren; an aunt, Mildred Anderson of Lakeside, Ore., and many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held Saturday, Feb. 8, 1997, at the Benkelman Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1925

Fred Brown (Ernest Bush?)

Fred Brown, notorious gunman and killer, lost his life in an effort to gain his liberty from the Nebraska penitentiary Monday afternoon. Another prisoner had his arm so badly injured through a gunshot that amputation was necessary and one guard died from a bullet fired by Brown.

Quick action on the part of guards prevented what promised to develop into perhaps the most serious prison outbreak in years. After his death, an automatic gun, nitroglycerine and other death-dealing instruments were taken from Brown's body. How he came into possession of these is not known but Warden Fenton said that so long as car shipments of coal are unloaded within the prison walls, just so long will these weapons be smuggled in.

Brown attempted to kill the warden first, thus throwing the penitentiary organization into a state of chaos so that it could not function properly. Twice his gun failed to go and twice bullets glazed the warden's head. After the battle started. reserve policemen were sent out from Lincoln and the militia was called. The break ended with the death of Brown who was shot through the head with a charge of buckshot from a sawed-off shotgun as he attempted to scale the wall. Order was then soon re-established.

Fred Brown came into the limelight two years ago when he chained two women and held them captive for days. A manhunt followed that was one of the most sensational in the history of Nebraska crime.

At that time it was thought that Fred Brown was the original Ernest Bush, convicted of the shooting of an aged man by the name of Bailey who was employed on the L. Morse ranch in 1899. The boy came to the ranch in midwinter and was given employment. He claimed that he was 16 years of age. He shot Bailey while the aged man was working in the construction of a feed rack in the cattle yard. He tied a rope around the body and with the aid of a saddle horse dragged it to the river where the body was submerged in the ice at a point where the cattle were watered. All tracks were covered up through driving a herd of cattle over the trail.

Bush denied knowledge of the whereabouts of the unfortunate Bailey and a hunt followed in which hundreds of citizens of that time took part. It lasted for nearly a week when the body was found in the river. Suspicion at once pointed to Bush but his native cunning and the fact that he was undersized and appeared so youthful even for his years made his conviction difficult. Skilled detectives were sought and sufficient evidence procured to bring about his conviction and he was sent up for life.

The trial cost Dundy County many thousands of dollars. He had not been in the penitentiary long, however, until influential parties in Chicago secured his release and nothing further was heard of him until the Fred Brown “Cave Man" incident came to light. Then prison attaches expressed the belief that Fred Brown was Ernest Bush in fact and most of the old-timers who knew him identified the pictures printed in the daily papers as those of Ernest Bush.

The Rev. B.F. Eberhart, who was at the time of the Bush conviction county attorney of Dundy County, was called to Lincoln and identified Brown as Bush.

There is but little doubt in the minds of people here that Fred Brown and Ernest Bush were one and the same person. and none are surprised at his tragic ending in Monday's prison break.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2005

Gary Eldon Brown

Gary Eldon Brown was born on June 25, 1945, in Wray, Colo., and died at the age of 60 years on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005. He was the son of Maxine and Eldon "Bus" Brown.

Gary, his sister Shirley and brother Jerry were the third generation to live on the family farm south of Haigler, Neb. The family later moved to Wellington, Colo., where Gary graduate from high school in 1963. He was known by classmates as "Charlie Brown the Class Clown" because of his good nature and joking manner. Not only did he enjoy a good laugh, but also had a good time playing sports. In fact, he set the Colorado state track record for the one-mile during his senior year.

On June 26, 1965, Gary married Helen Schnug. In 1969 they moved back to the Haigler area where Gary worked for several farmers and ranchers before buying his own farm. Later he joined the St. Francis (Kan.) Equity Co-op where he worked for 21 years. Gary was a hard worker and put his heart and soul into the task at hand.

During their 40-year marriage, he and Helen had five daughters: Christy, Connie, Colleen, Cherilynn and Caryn. Gary was a big "softy" when it came to his girls, sending flowers or doing something special for them when not expected. Years later he would also enjoy time spoiling his grandkids.

Gary was a man who loved spending time with family. Many memories remain of holiday dinners and Sunday afternoons of fried chicken and football, followed by a long nap. Gary's favorite pastimes were farming, hunting and socializing with friends.

The family's memories of Gary are of a man they all loved very much, they laughed with, worked beside and will fondly remember forever.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Cherilynn.

He leaves to mourn, Helen, his wife of 40 years; daughters Christy and Geary Rocca of Chandler, Ariz., Connie Brown of St. Francis, Colleen Brown and special friend, Christopher Mathewson, of Chandler, Ariz., and Caryn and Adam Torrance of Wray, Colo.: grandchildren Darin Brown. Mallory and Taylor O'Leary, and Austin and Kaitlyn Torrance; sister Shirley Schuh and husband, John, of Fort Collins, Colo.; brother Jerry Brown and wife, Verna, of Bridgeport. Neb., and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 14, 2005, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler, with the Rev. Chris Farmer officiating. Casket bearers were John Brunswig, Steve Workman, Tom Stevens. Roger Faulkender, Roger Samler, Dwight Faylor, Shawn Blanka and Dave Meyer. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery. Arrangements were by Knodel Funeral Home of St. Francis.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, November 7,2002

George E. Brown

Thursday, November 7, 2002

TRENTON -- George E. Brown, 93, died Monday (Nov. 4, 2002) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

He was born July 1, 1909, at Culbertson, to Leroy J. and Bertha (Gose) Brown and moved with his family at an early age to their farm southeast of Trenton. He attended country school on their farm and later attended Trenton High School.

On March 2, 1936, he married Eleanor J. Keller at Oberlin. He lived and worked in the Trenton area all of his life, working on the farm and also on oil drilling rigs throughout the area. In his younger years, he participated in rodeo activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Kaiser, Margaret Fassler, Esther Powell, Rachel Johnston, Nora Groothuis, Jennie Walker; brothers, Hamer, Marion, James, and Kenneth; and sons-in-law, Dennis Lewis and Dennis Weber.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor of Trenton; daughters, Wanda Lewis also of Trenton, Donna Whetstone of Jackson, Ohio, Sandra and husband, William Knapp of St. Mary's, Ga., Marcia Brown of Glendale, Calif., and Connie and husband, Dave Skeels of Grant; sisters, Edith and husband, Verle Burd of Arvada, Colo., and Ellen Alberts of Oxford; brother, William Brown and wife, Peggy of Trenton; eleven grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.

Graveside inurnment services will be Saturday, 11 a.m., at the Trenton Cemetery with Larry K. Forch, Jr. officiating. There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 2007

Irvin "Bob" Brown

Irvin "Bob" Brown was born on Sept. 19, 1912, to John and Rossa Brown in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, where they homesteaded. He died at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Neb., on Tuesday, April 3, 2007.

Bob attended Rollwitz School until after the eighth grade and then had to end his schooling to help out on the family ranch and farm.

He married Iris Beard on June 8, 1940, and they lived on the family farm. To this union were born Gweneth Ileene on Sept. 7, 1941, Mabel Lorene on Aug. 17, 1943, and Stanley Irvin on March 28, 1947.

Bob was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church at Crete, Neb., and a member of the Elks Lodge in Wray, Colo. He was active in helping all his children with their 4-H projects.

On June 5, 1970, Bob married Helen Odell and gained three stepchildren: Karen Liptrap and husband, Bob, Steve Traxler and wife, Bren, and Craig Odell and wife, DeeAnn.

Bob and Helen lived on the ranch until they retired in 1998. At the time of his death, they resided in Imperial.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lorene Grimes; brothers Kenneth and Leo B. "Bill" Brown; a daughter, Gweneth; grandsons William and Billie Joe Pawnee; and a granddaughter, Candy Jo Westrand.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; daughter Mabel (Toni) Jensen of Sterling, Colo.; son Stan (Judy) Brown of Lincoln, Neb.; stepchildren Karen Liptrap of Colorado Springs, Colo., Steve Traxler of Aurora, Neb., and Craig Odell of Gurley, Neb.; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sisters Nina (Art) Fortkamp and Jean (Don) Welch; and a brother, Don (Betty) Brown.

Services were held on Saturday, April 7, 2007, at the Champion (Neb.) Community Church with the Rev. Francis Baker officiating. Marcia Bauerle was the organist and singers were Irvin and Garneta Bauerle. Pallbearers were Jerry Westrand, Dale Ruch, Mark Ambrosek, Alan Traxler, Robert Ambrosek and Shane Eversole. Interment was in the Pleasant View/Crete Cemetery at Champion. Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1977

John Ellis Brown

John Ellis Brown, son of Benaga and Rebekah Brown was born May 14, 1880 on a farm near Utica, Neb. When he was ten years of age the family moved to Chase in a covered wagon. They lived first in a dug-out, until they became permanently located, and could build a house. Their home was established a couple of miles southwest of Imperial. It was in this community that he grew to manhood. He attended the Imperial school. Besides helping on the family farm, John worked out to add extra income. He and a brother lived two or three years in the Champion Valley, where they were employed breaking up prairie. It was during this time that he met Rossa L. Krutsinger, who was to become his bride.

John and Rossa were married on May 3, 1906. They lived a year near Parks, Neb., and then homesteaded in Dundy County, 18 miles southwest of Champion. This was their permanent home until 1960 when they moved to Champion.

To their union seven children were born, four sons, and three daughters. They include Kenneth, Irvin, known better as (Bob), Lorene, Leo, known as (Bill), Nina, Don, and Imogene called (Jean.)

John Brown was a hard working man. He and his wife, Rossa, farmed in an era of early Nebraska history when farm labor was mostly done by hand labor. Both of them worked side by side tilling the soil and caring for the livestock of their ranch. When time would allow, John would work at other jobs to earn extra money to support their family. All who knew him respected him as an honest gentleman.

His disposition was kind and he was a good neighbor. The family was regular attendance of the Rollwitz Church which was located near their home. To his family he will be remembered as a kind father and husband, a good provider and one who loved his family.

Even in his retirement years after 80, John remained physically strong and mentally alert. In the last two years his health increasingly failed. He was hospitalized a number of times. For convenience of care, he was cared for only a very short time in the Imperial Manor. It was here that he was taken by death on Jan. 15, 1977, departing this life at the age of 96 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Carrie, three brothers, Charley, Floyd, and Frank j and a daughter Lorene Grimes.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rossa, four sons and two daughters. They are Kenneth Brown and wife Idella of Parks, Bob Brown and wife Helen of Haigler, Bill Brown and wife Violet, of Westminister, Colo., Nina and husband Arthur Fortkamp, of Wauneta, Don Brown and wife Betty of Parks, Jean and husband Don Welch of Champion. There are 18 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, other relatives and a lifetime accumulation of friends who join now with the family in honoring the memory of his life.

Funeral services were held January 18 at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with Pastor Melvin Koellng officiating.

Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Creveling Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of the arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1995

Kenneth Ellis Brown

PARKS--Kenneth Ellis Brown was born April 11, 1909, to John and Rossa (Krutsinger) Brown at their home in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, and died May 4, 1995, at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska, at the age of 86 years.

Brown completed his primary education at the school in the Rollwitz community and went on to attend the Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Upon his return to Dundy County, he began his career in farming. It was during this time that he met Idella White. They were united in marriage on July 5, 1932, in Hayes Center, Nebraska.

In the fall of 1933, they moved to their farm north of Parks where they continued to live for nearly 62 years.

The Browns endured the hard times of the depression years as they began their married life. To help supplement their living, he operated a custom corn-shelling business in addition to their farming and livestock operation. He was especially fond of Iivestock and maintained a cow herd for all of his productive years. Brown was quite adaptable to changes in farming techniques and was among the first in this area to use sprinkler irrigation in 1954.

Brown was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the time spent with his close friends and family on many hunting and fishing trips.

Although he had many activities, his greatest happiness was to be with his family. He had a great amount of pride in his family and their accomplishments and was always very supportive of their efforts. Even though he expected much from his family, he was an unusually tolerant and forgiving person. He will be remembered not only for his strength of character but for his tolerance as well.

He was a 50-year member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge of McCook, a member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge of Benkelman, a member of the Holly Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of Benkelman, the Tehama Western Shrine and the Scottish Rite of Hastings, past school board member, a charter member of the Elmer Hester Foundation, and a past member of the board of directors of the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home and of the Dundy County Hospital Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carol Cline, and a sister, Loraine Grimes.

He is survived by his wife, Idella: a daughter, Velda, and her husband. Radean Wright. of Bird City, Kansas; a son, Dan, of Parks, brothers Bob and his wife, Helen, of Haigler. Nebraska, and Leo and his wife, Violet, of Westminster. Colorado, and Don and his wife, Betty, of Parks; sisters Nina and her husband, Art Fortkamp, of Wauneta, Nebraska, and Jean and her husband, Don Welch, of Champion, Nebraska; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Kenneth Brown were held Monday, May 8, 1995, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist and Richard Bartholomew sang "Open The Gates Of The Temple."

Pallbearers were Garry Krutsinger, Stan Hansen, Robert Clegg, Hal Tecker, David Merklin and Gary Ham. Honorary bearers were Dale Bauer, Stan Ham, Lee Gallatin, Harry Matthews, Hubert Dyke, James McAllister and David McAllister.

Committal was by Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. and interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1935

Leo B. "Bill" Brown

WESTMINSTER, Colo.--Leo B. "Bill" Brown was born to John and Rossa (Krutsinger) Brown on March 4, 1920, and died May 31, 1995, at his home in Westminster, Colorado, following a lengthy illness.

He spent the first 20 years of his life on his father's farm/ranch near Haigler in Dundy County, Nebraska. He attended a rural school near his home and graduated in 1938 from the Benkelman (Nebraska) High School.

In February 1942 he was inducted into the Army where he served 44 months, part of which were spent in the Asiatic Theatre of war. He was honorably discharged from the service in October 1945.

On January 10, 1943, he was united in marriage to Violet "Bubbles" Smith at St. Francis, Kansas. They observed 52 anniversaries together.

To this union three children were born: Terry Duane, Dudley Leo "Del" and Christina Ross.

They lived in the Parks community of Dundy County for 11 years before moving to their home in Westminster in 1956.

He was a retired long-haul driver.

Brown was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lorene Grimes, and a brother, Kenneth.

Survivors are his wife; two sons, Terry of Lakewood, Colorado, and Dudley of Westminster; a daughter, Christina Brown, of Denver, a daughter-in-law, Lorraine (Sexton) Brown; two brothers and their wives: Bob and Helen and Don and Betty; two sisters and their husbands: Nina and Art Fortkamp and Don and Jean Welch; four sisters-in-law: Idella Brown, Bonnie Taylor, Eva Garrison and her husband, Horace, and Betty Kemper and her husband, Ben; many other relatives and special friends.

Following cremation, a service was held June 6, 1995, at 1 p.m. at the Crete Cemetery of Champion, Nebraska.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1995

LeRoy A. Farrell Brown

LAKE WALES, Fla.--LeRoy A. Farrell Brown, 75, died Sunday, December 25, 1994, at Ridge Convalescent Center in Lake Wales, Florida. He was born October 3, 1919, in Harlan County, Nebraska, to Charlie A. and Lucy M. (Morris) Farrell.

He attended school in Bird City, Kansas, worked on the Civilian Conservation Corps, was a truck driver and a service station attendant.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant sister, Wauneta; an infant brother, Junior, and a brother, Mead Farrell who died in 1967 in Seattle, Washington.

Survivors include two sisters, Lucille Lowe of Benkelman and Arvena Trout and husband, Mike, of Selah, Washington; aunts; an uncle; nieces and nephews.

There will be no services as the body was cremated. There will be a private family

inurnment at a later date.

Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman is in charge of local arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1996

Lyle Laclair Brown

STRATTON--Lyle Laclair Brown, a resident of Stratton, Neb., was born Nov. 5, 1929, at Kearney, Neb., to Exie R. and Laura E. (Taylor) Brown and died Thursday, Aug. 29, 1996, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. He was 66 years, 9 months and 24 days old at the time of his death.

He served in the Navy from February 1948 until January 1952.

His wife, Iris Irene (Bodeman) Brown died Feb. 14, 1994. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Debbie Owens; two sons: Lyle Jr. and Wayne, and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include two daughters: Karen and her husband, John Curry, of Wasilla, Alaska, and Anita Cunningham of Orvilla, Calif.; four sons: Danny 0. of Beatrice, Neb., Exie R. of Anchorage, Alaska, Gene G. and his wife, Cindy, of Omaha, Neb., and Jack J. and his wife, Cheri, of Grant, Neb; a stepson: David Carey and his wife, Ruth, of Lebanon, Mo., and 21 grandchildren

Graveside services were held at the Seward (Neb.) Cemetery on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 1996, at 2 p.m. CDT with the Seward American Legion in charge of committal. Jones Funeral Home of Stratton was in charge of local arrangements and Volzke Mortuary of Seward in charge of the burial.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1970

Marvin Brown

Marvin Brown, 20, of Solomon, Kansas, was one of 13 Wichita State University football players to lose his life in a chartered airliner crash on Loveland Pass, 55 miles west of Denver last Friday afternoon. Twenty-nine passengers aboard the craft died in the crash.

Mr. Brown, a nephew of Mrs. Pauline Powell of Benkelman, was the only son of Marvin and Artus Brown of Solomon, Kansas. He was a sophomore at Wichita State University and was a fullback on the varsity football squad. The Wichita State University entourage, traveling in two chartered airliners, were en route to Logan, Utah to meet a game commitment with Utah State University on Saturday afternoon. One airliner arrived safely in Logan.

Mrs. Powell and her husband, Roy, left for Solomon on Saturday to spend the week with Mrs. Brown and family. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Powell and daughter, Carolyn, left for Solomon on Wednesday and will attend the funeral services in Solomon on Thursday afternoon of this week.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, May 12, 2003

Robert Lee Brown

Monday, May 12, 2003

Robert Lee Brown, 55, died Saturday (May 10, 2003) at Bryan LGH Medical Center East in Lincoln.

He was born April 17, 1948, at Yuma, Colo., to Floyd E. and Nellie F. (Ellis) Brown. He grew up in Benkelman where he graduated from Benkelman High School in 1966. He attended McCook Community College in McCook. He spent his working life in construction with Missouri Valley Construction.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Harold Brown.

Survivors include two brothers, Phillip Brown and Gerald Brown both of McCook.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the Herrmann Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Fred Sevier officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman.

Friends may call at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Herrmann Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1971

Roy William Brown

Funeral services w ere held July 20, 1971 at the First Christian Church in Wray, Colorado for Roy W. Brown, who passed away July 16 at the age of 73 years. He was a son-in-law of Sarah J. Ellis of Benkelman.

Roy William Brown, son of John H. and Martha C. Brown, was born March 25, 1898 in Jewell county, Kansas.

At an early age he was converted and united to the Christian Church at Mankato, Kansas.

On February 28, 1925, he was married to Mary M. Ellis at St. Francis, Kansas. To this union were born three children: John W. Brown and Tommy F. Brown. both of Seattle, Washington and Dorothy M. Morrison of Auburn, Washington.

At a very early age he began farming in Jewell county, Kansas. Over the past 25 years he has farmed and raised cattle south of Eckley, Colorado.

Brown had been in failing health and had suffered two prior heart attacks but still insisted on caring for his cattle.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Mary, his sons and daughter; several grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Interment was in Grandview cemetery in Wray, Colorado.

Out-of-town relatives attending funeral services for Roy W. Brown. July 20 included: John W. Brown and daughters and Tommy F. Brown, all of Seattle, Washington, Dorothy M. Morrison and son of Auburn, Washington, and Lonnie Morrison of Otis, Colorado.

Also attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Marvin E. Haines, Mrs. Alice Ellis, Mrs. Ethel Draper, Mrs. Cynthia Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Brunt and Sarah J. Ellis all of Benkelman, Nebraska: Mr. and Mrs. Clara Wiley, Jewell, Kansas; H. G. Zimmerman, Nellie F. Brown and sons, all of McCook, Nebraska; and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ellis of Castle Rock, Colorado.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1984

Terrence J. Brown

Terrence J. Brown, son of Anna C. Cody and William Brown, was born July 8, 1952, in Denver, Colorado, and departed this life Sunday, July 8, 1984, on his 32nd birthday, while attending a family get-together at Enders Lake near Enders, Nebraska.

Terry, as he was known by his family and friends, grew up in the Denver area, near Westminster, and attended the public schools and Ranum High School there.

On January 31, 1970, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Sue Williams in Westminster, Colorado. To this happy union two children were born: a daughter, Christina Marie, and a son, Terrence John Jr.

At the time of his death, Terry was employed by the Associated Grocers as a diesel mechanic, and prior to this he was employed by his stepfather, Richard Cody, as a mechanic and truck driver for the Merit Truck Wrecking Service. Richard Cody has been his father since Terry was three years old, and thus the only father Terry ever knew.

Terry loved God's Great Universe of Nature, the lakes, streams, wooded hills and plains, and his favorite sports were hunting and fishing.

Terry was well-liked by all who knew him, having the ability to make and appreciate friends, accept them for what they were, and help them to develop their better qualities. Perhaps Terry's philosophy could best be expressed by these lines by former U.S. Senator George McGovern: "Treat people as though they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being."

Terry had a good sense of humor and wit, and was also a kind, thoughtful and loving husband and father, placing the concerns and needs of his family and friends foremost in his life. He had learned early in life to accept responsibility and therefore also developed real dependability.

As a youth he was reared in the Catholic faith, and was a member of the Holy Trinity Church of Westminster, Colorado.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure, his loving wife, Rhonda Sue; daughter, Christina; son, Terrence Jr.; parents, Richard and Anna Cody; brother William Brown, and wife, Joni; sister, Cheryl (Mrs. Ron Williams); stepsister, Sandra Rideout; parents-in-law, Duane and Betty Williams; brothers-in-law, Ron and Byron Williams; sisters-in-law, Nancy Mullins and Debbie Hansen and husband, Mikey; plus a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held July 11 at the BenkeLman Friends Church with Rev. Bob Sander officiating. There was a Rosary service at the Rice Chapel in Brighton, Colorado, July 12, and services at the Nativity Church in Broomfield, Colorado, on July 13. Interment was in the Elmwood Cemetery in Brighton, Colorado.

Janice Whetstone served as organist and accompanied Carol and Robert Sander as they sang "In The Garden."

Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Those wishing to send condolences to Rhonda and family may do so to their address of 2531 West 134th Circle, Broomfield, CO 80020.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2003

Vinton Brown, Jr.

Vinton Brown, Jr., passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2003. He left behind his loving wife, Volna. Feeling the loss of a loving and kind father, grandfather and great-grandfather are his children: Douglas Brown, Kathryn McCullough and Carolyn Brown (formerly Joiner) of Colorado Springs, Colo., nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

His parents, Vinton E. Brown, Sr., and Velma (McKnight), and an infant sister, Zeta Louise, preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn, a sister, Vesta Gilbert, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Vinton was born on May 30, 1922, at Sheridan Lake, Colo. He was raised in Max, Neb. While attending school in Max he excelled at sports and was fondly known as Junior Brown. He graduated with the Max High School Class of 1940.

Vinton and Volna Slater were married on Dec. 17, 1941, in Benkelman, Neb. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He lived in Colorado Springs for 51 years and was a retired construction superintendent. Vinton loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.

A private graveside service was held at Fairview Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Ste. 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1971

William Earnest Brown

Funeral services for William Earnest Brown were held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Haigler United Methodist Church with the Rev. Hiram Lilley officiating. Interment in the Haigler cemetery. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman in charge of arrangements.

William Earnest Brown, son of Alvis Clinton and Eliza Emma Brown, was born in Cheyenne, County Kansas March 17, 1889. He was the seventh child of a family of twelve. He was raised in Cheyenne County.

On April 23, 1916, he was married to Pearl Whomble at Wray, Colo. They lived near Idalia. Colo., for about one year and then moved to a farm in Cheyenne County near Haigler where they have resided since that time.

He has served on numerous boards in agriculture and education in Cheyenne County. He was active in many ways in his community and neighborhood. He was a Baptist since childhood.

He passed away at Wray, Colo. on July 14, 1971 at the age of 82 years, three months and 20 days.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; six children; Beulah Bell, Wyoming, Eldon Brown, Colorado, Dulcie Johannes, Oregon, Dorothy White, Colo., Donnie Brown, California, Dallas Brown, Haigler, two sisters, Alice Northrup, Kansas and Gladys Shafer, Colo.; three brothers: John, Frank and Heath, Colo. 22 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his friends and neighbors.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1968

William Henry Brown

William Henry Brown, eldest child of William and Caroline Brown, was born March 30, 1890, at Sanborn, Nebraska, and died. June 30, 1963, at the Wray Community Hospital at the age of 78 years and three months.

In 1917 he was married to Leila Lynam and they lived on the ranch at Sanborn, which was homesteaded by his father and where he was born and lived his entire life. His three brothers lived with them until they were married. At the death of his wife, Leila, in 1955, his brother Thomas and his wife joined him in the family home and managed the farm.

He attended the Sanborn grade school and the Grand Island Business College. In addition to farming and ranching, he bought and sold livestock for many years.

In January, 1932, he began his first term as Commissioner of the Third District, Dundy county, and continued in devoted service as County Commissioner until his death. As nearly as can be determined, he gave more continuous years of service than any other elected official in the State of Nebraska. He gave of himself with wholehearted devotion to the job because Dundy county was his home and the people who lived there were his friends. His work always came first, even though the wishes of his family were sometimes different. For 36 years he served as a member of the Sanborn School Board. He served on other Boards and Commissions. He gave willingly and freely of his time, talents and money.

He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wray, Colorado, and served for a number of years as a member of the Board of Trustees.

To nearly everyone of all ages who knew him, he was known as Bill. He was often quiet and unassuming and few people know of his multitude of acts of service and kindness. He gave of himself because he wanted to.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Leila. He is survived by his daughter, Frances, of Seattle. Washington: his step-son. Royal Lynam, and daughter-in-law, Marguerite Lynam, of Wray, Colo.; his granddaughter, Carole Lindstrom, and her husband Raymond of West Covina, Calif.; his great grandchildren, Troy and Kelley Lindstrom; his brothers, Jake and, George, of Wray, Colo., and, Thomas of Haigler; his sisters,,; Leva Orndorff and Margaret; Lester of Denver, Colo.; nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was devoted to his family, his friends and his church. His love of life kept him young in spirit until the end.

Attending the services from out-of-town were Frances Brown of Seattle, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lindstrom, West Covina, Calif.; Mrs. Leva Orndorff, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Lester, Mrs. Gene Derowitsch, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Boyce, all of Denver; Captain Norman Brown, Hampton. Va.; Mrs. Garry Hensen, Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Probasco, Castle Rock, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Probasco. Denver; Mr. and Mrs. John Jones. Boulder, Colo.; Mr. Harry Holm, Mr. Everett Boyce, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace McKay, North Platte; Miss Verna Reier, Grand Island, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Webster, McCook.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2003

Robert A. Brunick

Robert A. Brunick, 79, of Lemoyne, Neb, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, at Valentine, Neb. Services were held Nov. 19 at Fort Logan, Colo. A memorial service will be held on Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Martin Bay Community Church at Lemoyne.

Robert was born on Feb. 3, 1924, in Boulder, Colo., the son of Willard and Edna May (Earson) Brunick. When he was seven the family moved to Wray, Colo., where he attended school. In 1940, at the age of 16, he joined the CCCS in Sterling, Colo.

On Oct. 4, 1942, Bob married Hazel Phifer of Haigler, Neb., in St. Francis, Kan. He joined the Army on May 30, 1944, and was honorably discharged Aug. 12, 1944.

He returned home and resumed truck driving until 1947 when he moved his family to Denver, Colo., where he was employed in construction. In 1972, the Brunicks purchased property east of Lemoyne and moved in a new mobile home. When he retired in 1979, they moved to Lake McConaughy where they have since made their home.

Mr. Brunick was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Edgewater, Colo., and American Legion in Ogallala, Neb.

His hobbies included gardening, fishing and playing cards, keeping up with sports and playing practical jokes on his friends. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include Hazel, his wife of 61 years; a daughter, Karen Springer, and a son, Bobbie Brunick, both of Thornton, Colo.; three granddaughters: Keli Meddaugh, Krista Springer and Lorrie Young; and four great-grandsons: Tylor, Bryce, Pierce and Drake. He is also survived by a sister, Lois Gardelli; a brother, Don Brunick; sisters-in-law Lois Hansen and Dick, Evelyn Reid and Don and Gladys Spear and Marvin.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1999

Lorene Emma Elizabeth (Duhm) Brunkhorst

STRATTON--Lorene Emma Elizabeth Brunkhorst, 73, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 1999, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. She was born Nov. 4, 1925, to Fred and Minnie (Hillman) Duhm at Stratton, Neb.

She was baptized on Nov. 29, 1925, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in May 1940.

Lorene grew up on farms in the Eden community, attended country school and one year at St. Paul's Lutheran School.

She was united in marriage to Ivan Brunkhorst on Aug. 25, 1948, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta, Neb., and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998. They lived and farmed in the Eden community and the Frenchman Valley before moving to Stratton in 1990.

Lorene was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1946 and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was also involved with the Eden Sunshine Club, Hamlet Homemakers Club and the Stratton Community Club. Lorene was also a past 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher and church youth leader.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son and a sister, Lois O'Neill, in 1995. Those who survive her include her loving husband, Ivan, of Stratton; twins: daughter Dianna and her husband, Bob Rowe, of North Platte, Neb., and son, Dennis and wife, Cindy, of Palisade, Neb.; four grandchildren: Danae (Rowe) and husband, Ryan Meade, Justin Rowe, Kari Brunkhorst and Raelyn Brunkhorst; a stepgrandson, Brian Williams; great-grandchildren Jared Mead and Cody Williams, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services were held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, 1999, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta with the Rev. Tim Neumann officiating. Berneta Steinert was the organist and congregational hymns included "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," "How Great Thou Art" and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."

Casket bearers and escorts were Mickey Brunkhorst, Lynn Brunkhorst, Nancy Anderson, Lynn Hamilton, Lon Weimer, Monte Weimer, Keith Busking, Larry Busking, Mark Hamilton, Rodger Hamilton, Kathy Winscot, Teresa Thomas and Joyce Richter.

Final resting place is the Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorial contributions may be made in Lorene's name to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta or the Dundy County Hospital Foundation in Benkelman.

Andrew (Andy) Brunkhorst

Andrew (Andy) Brunkhorst was born August 13, 1916. He was the youngest of six children at a rural residence in Dundy County, Nebraska.

He spent his childhood in the area before his marriage to Anna Damrow on October 21, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska.

They farmed and ranched near Palisade, Nebraska, while owning and operating the livestock auction in McCook, Nebraska.

In 1954 the family moved south of Wauneta, Nebraska, where Andy farmed and ranched until his retirement in 1982. Upon retirement, he moved to Dillon, Montana.

Survivors include two children, Kenneth Brunkhorst of Dillon, Montana, and Joanne Shackelford and her husband, Lon, of Charlottesville, Virginia. Also surviving him are three grandchildren, Paul and Dan Brunkhorst of Dillon and Kristen of Charlottesville; one sister, Hilda Nordhausen of Wauneta, Nebraska, and a brother, Henry

Brunkhorst of Enders, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna, in 1979, a sister and two brothers.

Services were held in Dillon, Montana, at the Brundage Funeral Home Friday, January 27, and at the Chaney Funeral Home in Sterling, Colorado, January 30.

Burial was in Wauneta, Nebraska, at the Riverside Cemetery.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1996

Henry John Brunkhorst

ENDERS, Neb.--Henry John Brunkhorst, fourth child of Fred and Juliana (Kiel) Brunkhorst, was born on Jan. 23, 1906, near Davenport, Neb., in Nuckolls County, He died at Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb., on Friday, Jan. 19, 1996, at the age of 89 years, 11 months and 27 days.

He was baptized into the Christian faith on Sept. 17, 1906, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hildreth, Neb. In 1907 the family moved to Chase County, Neb., and settled on the north side of Wauneta where Henry attended his first year of school. In 1914 the family moved onto the South Divide and joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Henry completed his schooling at Ough.

He received evening catechism instruction in German from the Rev. Victor Hoffmann. On June 8, 1919, he proclaimed the Christian faith in the rite of confirmation and became a confirmed member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. His confirmation verse was II Timothy 2:8, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel" (NIV).

On Dec. 12, 1942, he married Leta Keiser, also of the South Divide. The couple lived on the family farmstead until 1954 when a new home was built south of Enders, Neb. The remainder of their years was spent together at that location.

He was always a very active churchman. He served the congregation for many years as elder and treasurer. He also was an active member of the Lutheran Laymen's League.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Earnest, August and Andrew, and his sister, Amelia Chaney.

He is survived by his wife, Leta; a sister, Hilda Nordhausen of Wauneta; two sisters-in-law, Linda, and her husband, Joe Reitsch, and Wilma Keiser, all of Wauneta; a brother-in-law, Elmer Keiser, and his wife, Edna, of Enders; seven nephews, and eight nieces.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, 1996, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with the Rev. C.K. Hein officiating. The text was the 23rd Psalm. The congregation sang "Beautiful Savior" and the choir sang "How Great Thou Art." Karen Christner was the organist.

Bearers were Lyle, Ken and Mickey Brunkhorst, Dennis Gockley, Chris Pursley and Jim Mullanix. Honorary bearers were Dennis, Lynn, Ivan, Herbert and Melvin Brunkhorst, Dean and Mike Pursley and Russ and Paul Chaney. Interment was in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery with Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1980

Betty Lou (Hanshaw) Brunswick

Betty Lou Brunswick, daughter of Arthur and Gladys Hanshaw, was born Oct. 12, 1930 at Haigler, NE and passed from this life Sept. 2, 1980 at the Cedardale Rest Home, Wray, CO at the age of 49 years following a lengthy illness.

Betty attended school at Parks, NE and on May 28, 1950, at Haigler, NE she was united in marriage to Harold Brunswick. To this union three children were born.

Betty enjoyed her life on the farm. Her hobbies consisted of gardening, house plants, baking and music. She deeply enjoyed going to church and during the last three years of her life enjoyed a close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ having accepted Him as her personal Saviour while in the hospital at Denver, CO. She was a member of the Clover Leaf Extension Club which she enjoyed very much.

Betty is survived by her husband, Harold of rural Haigler; her parents, Arthur and Gladys Hanshaw of Parks, NE; two daughters, Debra and her husband Randy Bartlett of Parks, NE and Diane at home in Haigler, NE; one son, Dale and his wife Wanda of Haigler; four sisters, Mrs. Carl (Hazel) Reining, and Mrs. Lawrence (Velda) Steele, both of Colorado Springs, CO; Mrs. Ernest (Irene) Roose of Trenton and Mrs. Bill (Mary Louise) Robens of Albuquerque, NM, and five grandchildren, Angelia and Travis Brunswick, and Shannon, Amanda and Tammy Lou Bartlet, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Betty had a stimulating effect on everyone: who knew her. She was a very devoted wife, mother and a very special grandmother.

Services were held Sept. 5, 1980 at 2 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler, NE with the Rev. Robert Sander in charge. Organist was Kaye Kamla. The selections "One Day At A Time" and "Sheltered In The Arms Of God" were sung by Virginia Harford, Helen Woods, Ray Harford, and Don Harford.

Bearers were Royce Stute, Hal Tecker, Roy Walter, Rex Roundtree, Dave Bush and John Ferguson. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with funeral arrangements conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, NE.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1997

Francis Emil Brunswick,

Francis Emil Brunswick, at 94, of McCook, died Saturday (May 3, 1997) at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

He was born Aug. 15, 1902, at McCook to Emil Francis and Lette (Carpenter) Brunswick.

He worked at McCook Equity Exchange for many years and also at Memorial Park Cemetery.

On Jan. 11, 1926, he married Merle E. Whitney at St. Francis Kan.

He played the violin and also played at dances and church.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Merle, on April 7, 1989; three sisters, Merna Mundhenke, Esther Roach, and Inez Hackenkamp; and one brother, Lewis Brunswick.

Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis McCarville and husband Harold and Phyllis Hager and husband Cecil, all of McCook; four sons, Harold Brunswick and wife Harriot of Haigler, Virgil Brunswick and wife Ramona of Arvada, Colo., Richard Brunswick and wife Mavis of McCook, and Verlyn Brunswick and wife Delores of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; 27 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Chapel in McCook with Pastor Clark Baths officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at McCook.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Wednesday until the time of service.

Memorials are being accepted in his name and may be left at the funeral home.

Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2001

Miles Alton Brunswig,

Services for longtime Ogallala businessman, Miles Alton Brunswig, 82, of Ogallala, Neb., were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2001, at the Gubser Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Phil Ewert of the First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Cremation took place following the service. Services were also held Tuesday evening, Nov. 20, in Tucson, Ariz.

A resident of Ogallala the past 45 years, Mr. Brunswig died Nov. 18, 2001, in Tucson.

He was born July 12, 1919, on the family farm in Yuma County, Colo., the son of August Henry and Mary MariIla (Spears) Brunswig.

On Feb. 20, 1939, he married L. Lucille Stute at Haigler, Neb. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Lebanon, Ore., where they owned a service station for two years. They then moved to Portland were Miles was employed as a welder in the shipyards and owned two trucks to haul gravel for the construction of roads.

In 1945, they moved back to Haigler and purchased a service station and motel. In 1950 they started the John Deere Implement business, operating it until 1956 when they moved to Ogallala. They purchased the John Deere Implement dealership in Ogallala and also in Oshkosh. They also engaged in farming and the operation of a feedlot at Brule.

In 1958 they sold their business interests. The following year Miles started an automobile and service station business known as Brunswig's Trading Post, a former Shamrock service station on East Highway 30 in Ogallala. He operated the business until selling it to his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Barbara, in 1982.

Following their retirement, they enjoyed traveling by recreational vehicle and spending time at their winter residence in Tucson.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Erma Brunswig; a brother, August “Teddy" Brunswig, and a stepsister, Alma Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of Ogallala; three sons: Robert and wife, Barbara, of Ogallala, David and wife, Susan, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Steven and wife, Ann, of Long Prairie, Minn.; a daughter, Joyce and husband, Tom Milean, of Arvada, Colo.; a sister, Eula Pistachio, of Prescott, Ariz.; a half-sister, Dorothey Petty, of Albuquerque; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1982

Daisy Marie (Ellis) Brunt

Daisy Marie Ellis was born May 9, 1903, in Davie County, North Carolina. She was the eldest child of Thomas E. and Sarah J. (Grote) Ellis, and passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 18, 1982, at the Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, Neb., at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 9 days.

Daisy moved with her parents to Nebraska in 1911 and spent her childhood years on the family farm west of Benkelman. She was a hard-working person and had the joy of helping on the farm and seeing many improvements that made living and farming in those days much easier.

She was married to Russell Hanes on August 23, 1922. To this union, one son, Marvin Ellis Hanes, was born. Russell passed away May 19, 1925. Daisy married Marvin C. Brunt on July 8, 1936. One son, David Paul, was born to them.

Daisy was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: John Levi, William Edward, and Thomas Caleb, and three sisters: Nellie Frances Brown, Lulu Kathleen Rutherford and Blanche Odell Ellis.

She leaves her husband, Marvin C. Brunt; two sons, Marvin E. Haines, and wife, Donna, and David P. Brunt and wife, Kathy; two grandsons; three granddaughters; one step-grandson; two step-granddaughters; one brother, Howard Ellis, of Castle Rock, Colo.; three sisters, Mary Magdalene Brown of Eckley, Colo., Maude Pearl Young of Fruitland, Idaho, and Sara Emma O'Brien of St. Cloud, Fla.

Services were held Saturday, Aug. 21, 1982, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Rev. Robert Sander officiating. Assisting were Diana League and Carol and Robert Sander with the selections, "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Rodney Ellis, Phillip Brown, Glen Ellis, Tom Brown, Keith Ellis and Lyle Ellis.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ???? 1982

Daisy M. (Ellis) Brunt

BENKELMAN — Daisy M. Brunt died Wednesday at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

Mrs. Brunt was born May 9, 1903 at Davey County, N. C. to Thomas E. and Sarah J. (Groce) Ellis. She was married Aug. 23, 1922 in Denver, Colo. to Russell Hanes who preceded her in death. She was married July 8, 1936 at Golden, Colo. to M. C. Brunt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Russell, three sisters, Nellie, Lula and infant Blanche, and three brothers, John, William and Caleb.

Survivors include her husband, M. C. Brunt of Benkelman; two sons, Marvin Haines of Benkelman and David Brunt of LaVista; three sisters, Mary Brown of Eckley, Colo., Pearl Young of Fruitland, Idaho and Mrs.. Phil (Emma) O'Brien of St. Cloud, Fla.; one brother, Howard of Castle Rock, Colo.; five grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. MDT in the Jones Funeral Chapel of Benkelman with the Rev. Robert Sander officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home, Benkelman.

Memorials may be left at the funeral home in her memory.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1994

Betty Maxine (Grose) Brunt

BENKELMAN--Betty Maxine (Grose) Brunt was born April 4, 1923, to William R. and Ulah P. (Williams) Grose of Benkelman, Dundy County, Nebraska. She died Saturday, November 26, 1994, at the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 22 days.

She married Ralph 0. Brunt in January 1940 and the couple celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Mrs. Brunt was a child of the depression and grew up knowing what hard times were.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard, and a baby sister, Caroline.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph; three daughters: Gloria and her husband, Don Gross, of Gering, Nebraska, Phyllis and her husband, Kenneth Wade, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and LaDonna and her husband, Ben Edeburn, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; three granddaughters; six grandsons; seven great-grandchildren; nephews, nieces and a large family of friends.

Services were held Monday, November 28, 1994, at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Marie Walker was the organist and Gary Walker sang "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art." Bearers were David Gross, Steven Wade, Chad Edeburn, William Gross, Scott Wade and Shane Edeburn. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1980

Sarah Melinda (Young) Brunt

Sarah Melinda (Young) Brunt was born March 7, 1889 in Red Willow County, near Bartley, Nebraska, to Melvin and Eliza (Richards) Young.

She came to the northwest corner of Dundy County with her parents in 1903.

On August 25,1907, she was united in marriage to Walter M. Brunt at her parent's home in northwest Dundy County. To this union seven children were born.

In 1913 she moved with her husband and two sons to Palisade, NE. They lived there one year, then moved back to Dundy County to a farm on Indian Creek. They moved into Benkelman, NE in 1941. She remained a resident there the rest of her life.

She is survived by three sons: Marvin and wife Daisy of Benkelman, NE; Ralph and wife Betty of Benkelman, NE; and Dale and wife Jean of Grand Island; and one daughter Velma and husband Dick Hiatt of Benkelman, NE.

There are 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, one sister Esther Robb of Imperial, NE and one brother Cody Young and his wife Sylvia of Sumner, WA; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends who survive her.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Walter in 1964, one son Virley, two daughters, Charlotte and Jessie, also a great granddaughter Barbara Smith.

She worked in several Benkelman business places until she retired. She attended The People's Church in Max, NE for the past five years. She enjoyed going to chapel at the Home, and attended faithfully as long as her health permitted. She also joined all the activities of the Home.

She passed away at the Hester Horne Sept. 14, 1980 at the age of 91 years, 6 months and 7 days

Services were held Thurs., Sept. 18, 1980 at 10:30 a.m. at Benkelman, NE with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Organist was Mary Baney who accompanied Carol and Robert Sander with the selections "In The Garden" and “The Old Rugged Cross".

Bearers were Jim Mullanix, Glen Mullanix, Eddie Watt, Gene Rosenfelt, Rex Roundtree and Foster Gerdes.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman, NE with funeral arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home, Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1998

Marvin C. Brunt

Marvin C. Brunt was born on Jan. 22, 1909. on a farm in northwest Dundy County, near Benkelman, Neb., to Walter and Sarah (Young) Brunt.

His father was a horse trader, his mother a housewife. He had three brothers: Vurley, Ralph and Dale, and three sisters: Velma, Charlotte and Jessie.

His growing-up years were spent on a farm. He went hunting and fishing with his brothers, and he was quite a spirited young man. He never went looking for trouble, but he also never backed down. He could jump any fence, lift any tractor or fight anybody. He paid for his showing off with a bad knee. One day he lifted a big tractor and damaged his knee.

Marvin attended country school through the 11 th grade.

In about 1935 he met Daisy Marie Ellis at a farm party. They were married in Golden, Colo., on July 8, 1936. They had one son together, Dave. Marvin put steel buildings together for several years and then became a foreman.

In the early 1940s, Marvin went to Oregon to learn the welding trade. He became a blacksmith, welder and general repairman. He used an old Army surplus welder his whole life. He burned it out one day thawing frozen water pipes for the City of Benkelman. Dave remembers that when he was only four, his dad taught him how to weld, and he got good at it.

Marvin retired twice, once when he was 65 and again when he was 80. At age 65 he sold all his equipment and started doing nothing. Well, this was boring and so for the next five years, he bought more and more welding equipment and did odd jobs until he retired the second time.

Dave says that his dad spoiled him. His mom wanted his dad to be the disciplinarian, but he refused. Marvin only spanked Dave three or four times. Generally when Marvin did discipline him, it was with a look or with a firm but quiet word.

Marvin was quick-tempered, fugal, tight, stubborn (it was all or nothing with him), a hunter, a fisherman, a collector of rocks to make jewelry and a man of faith. He was raised to love the Lord. He, his parents and family often attended a Pentecostal church. Dave frequently attended revival meetings and often turned to the Lord in faith when things got really bad.

Marvin's faith probably began in earnest about the time he got gangrene in his leg and the Lord healed him. A similar thing happened when Dave was eight years old and got rheumatic fever. Marvin took him to see Oral Roberts, and Jesus healed him. In later years Marvin was real quiet about his faith, and frankly got away from the zeal he had for the Lord in earlier years, but he was receptive to talk about the Lord when you wanted to.

In November 1995 he had a heart attack. In December 1995 he moved to the Omaha area to a rest home in Gretna. He was in declining health during the last few years with mini-strokes and seizures. At the age of 89 years, 6 months and 24 days, the Lord took him to heaven on Aug. 15, 1998, at about 7:30 p.m.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Daisy; two sisters: Jessie and Charlotte. and two brothers: Vurley and Ralph.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Kathy, of Papillion. Neb.; a stepson. Marvin Haines, and his wife, Donna, of Benkelman; a sister, Velma Hiatt of Benkelman; a brother, Dale, of Grand Island, Neb.; 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1998, at the Harrison Street Baptist Church in LaVista, Neb., with the Roger. K. Criser officiating. Arrangemdnts were by Bethany Funeral Home of LaVista.

Another memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 1998, at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Marcine Farmer, P.M.A., officiating. Elaine Raichart was the organist and Joan Vontz sang "In The Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross." Inurnment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1998

Ralph Oren Brunt

Ralph Oren Brunt was born to Walter and Sarah (Young) Brunt in Dundy County, Neb., on March 27, 1911.

He attended school in District 10 and at Max (Neb.) School. Ralph became a farmer and moved to a farmstead east of Max.

He married Betty Maxine Grose of Benkelman, Neb., on Jan. 20, 1940, at Grant, Neb. This union was blessed with three daughters.

They farmed east of Max until a fire destroyed their home in October, 1947. Ralph had a restless nature and, as a result, the family lived in a number of homes in Nebraska and Oregon. His main occupation was working in mechanics, mostly farm machinery. He liked nothing better than being outside working on an old tractor, bringing it back to life. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In later years, they moved to Alvo, Neb., a small town east of Lincoln, to be nearer to two of their daughters. While living in Alvo, Ralph and Betty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Due to Ralph's failing health, they returned to Benkelman in 1990.

After Betty died in 1994, Ralph was moved to the Heritage Care Center in Gering, Neb., where his oldest daughter resides. He was a resident there when he became ill on Friday, Jan. 9, and died Sunday evening, Jan. 11, 1998, at the age of 86 years.

In addition to his wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Virley; two sisters, Jessie and Charlette, and a son-in-law, Bennie A. Edeburn.

He is survived by daughters Gloria and her husband, Don Gross, of Gering, Phyliss and her husband, Kenneth Wade, of Lincoln, and LaDonna Edeburn of Cheyenne, Wyo.; his older brother, Marvin, of Lincoln; a sister, Velma Hiatt, of Benkelman; a younger brother, Dade, 17 Grand Idland, Neb.; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was a loving father and grandfather and leaves those behind with wonderful memories.

Final rites for Ralph Brunt were held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "In The Garden" and “The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were David and Bill Gross, Steve and Scott Wade and Chad and Shane Edeburn. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1935

Virley Monroe Brunt

Virley Monroe Brunt died at the Stewart hospital in Stratton at 3:20 o'clock a. m. last Saturday morning, following injuries sustained from a bullet from a 25-20 Winchester rifle sometime before noon Friday. The exact time will never perhaps be known nor will the exact manner in which the accident happened be definitely established. The lad had been at home alone from about 9:30 in the morning until near seven o'clock that evening when the family returned from the Frank Stute home where they had spent the day. Virgil was setting on one chair with his head resting on a pillow on the back of a second chair. A pool of blood was on the floor directly under his chin. The family called Doctor Premer. A hasty examination revealed that the bones of the lower jaw were terribly shattered, it being possible to lift some of the lower teeth out. The upper jaw bone was likewise badly shattered. The right eye was swelled shut but from the expression in the other eye, Doctor Premer was sure that he was not unconscious. He asked him what had happened and Virgil shook his head. Then Doctor Premer asked him to write what had taken place. He wrote five words. "I don't know what happened." and this was the only information he gave as to his misfortune, then or later. Doctor Premer judged from the nature of his injuries that he had been kicked in the face by a horse and recommended that he be sent to bone specialists in Omaha but it was decided to send him to Stratton. Doctors Stewart and Brown were likewise inclined to the idea tha the had probably been kicked by a horse and recommended that he be sent to some hospital where bone surgery was specialized in. Arrangements were under way to that end when he passed away.

It was difficult to see any possibility of a bullet injury as there was only one small skin abrasion on the chin and but little credence was given to the shooting theory but County Attorney Westermark requested an x-ray picture of his head after he had died and the gun was found in the yard at the farm home with one shell discharged. The x-ray picture disclosed the bullet in his brain. It was then evident that death had followed the discharge of the weapon in the lad's own hands and the possible need of a coroner's inquest was dispensed with.

The strange feature of the tragedy was the fact that the point of the gun was held directly against the chin and that the explosion took place in the lad's mouth. According to the theory of Sheriff A. W. Woodworth. County Attorney Westermark and other officials called in on the investigation, there would have been powder burns had the .gun been a few inches from the boy's face and the bones would not have been so severely shattered. Another feature that is hard to understand in the tragedy is the fact that Virley lived and was conscious for so many hours after the accident. With a bullet buried deep in his brain along with the loss of blood sustained, it would seem that death would have been instant and doctors concur in this theory. Considering the calibre of the gun from which the bullet was shot, it would seem that it would have passed thru the skull and the unfortunate youth would never have been conscious for even a minute. In fact the idea of his condition being due to a bullet being lodged in his head seemed so fantastic that it is doubtful if an x-ray picture would ever have been taken had not Mr. Westermark insisted on it.

Officers can shed but little light as to how the shooting might have occurred. The gun was found about 25 feet from the house and Virgil’s cap was lying about ten feet from it. A little more than 26 feet distant was a wire fence and it is possible that the gun was accidentally discharged as Virgil crawled thru it. But after the shooting he evidently walked directly to the house, secured a pillow on which to rest his head on another chair and set there in a dazed condition thruout the remainder of the day.

Virgil was well and favorably known in Benkelman. He was the sort of a lad who made friends and retained them. He was very conscientious and was a very dependable young man in every way. He had lived his entire life at home and his parents always felt that they could depend upon him to do his best in whatever he undertook. He was of a sunny nature and congenial disposition which accounted in a large measure for the marked popularity he enjoyed among all who knew him and the sorrow-stricken family have the tenderest sympathy in the great loss they have sustained in his tragic passing.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Benkelman Sunday afternoon and were in charge of Rev. G. A. Schwabauer, regular pastor.

A quartette consisting of Mrs. Ernestine Hendrickson. Mrs. Ethel Hollinger, R. D. Druliner and Jacob Bauer sang and Mrs. Florence Hopkins officiated. at the piano. Pall bearers were Richard Gardner, Raphael Gardner, Preston Stroup, Ralph Stroup, Leonard Rudisill and Edwin Rudisill.

Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. .

Virley Monroe Brunt, son of Walter and Sarah Brunt. was born on a farm northeast of Benkelman on November 5, 1914, and died in the Stratton hospital on Saturday morning, April 6, aged 20 years and 5 months.

Virley spent practically all of his short life at home upon the farm, interested and contented about his work there. He attended school in his community and then acquired two more years of schooling in the public school of Max.

He leaves to mourn his untimely death, besides his father and mother, three brothers, Marvin, Ralph and Dale and one sister Velma. Two sisters preceded him in death the one an infant and the other six years old. He is survived also by two grandmothers and one grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Brunt of Hastings are the surviving grandparents on his father's side and Mrs. Elizabeth Young of Best the surviving parent on his mother's' side. and many more distant relatives and numerous friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 2004

M. Elaine (Burton) Bryan

M. Elaine (Burton) Bryan, 74, died at her home in Pueblo, Colo., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2004. She was born on July 28, 1929, in Bartley, Neb.

All eight grades were spent in a one-room rural school near her farm home. After graduating from Bartley High School as valedictorian, she attended the University of Kearney at Kearney, Neb., from which she graduated with honors. Her teaching career consisted of teaching English and Business for two years at Palisade, Neb., and four years at Benkelman (Neb.) High School.

She married a fellow teacher, Jack Bryan, in May 1952. They spent 51 wonderful years together. In 1957, the Bryans moved to Pueblo where Elaine first taught English and Business at Central High before becoming a high school counselor. She spent the next 30 years loving every minute at the "Big Blue." Her husband finally convinced her to leave teaching so they could continue to explore the world.

Delta Kappa Gamma, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Assistance League and PEO all received the good fortune of having Elaine work to make each organization better. She held state board positions in Delta Kappa Gamma and AAUW. She served as president of Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, AAUW and her PEO chapter. Elaine also held various offices in these organizations.

Traveling the world became a dream come true as she visited all 50 states and more than 50 foreign countries. Elaine sailed on 27 cruises. Nightly news programs often showed places she had explored.

Cancer finally claimed Elaine, who spent the last 1 I years fighting the disease. Hospice gave her much support in her final days.

She leaves behind her husband, Jack; a brother, Merwyn and wife, Norma, and sisters-in-law Donna, Rosalie, Linda and their husbands: Clarence, Bill and Mike. Her niece Paula and nephew Clark, were especially dear to her. She will also be missed by many nephews and nieces in Nebraska, Nevada, California, Missouri and Indiana and a host of friends.

Services were held in Pueblo at the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, 2004; and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Christian Church in Bartley. Interment was in the Bartley Cemetery. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary was in charge of arrangements in Bartley. Colorado services were conducted by the George McCarthy Funeral Home of Pueblo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1981

Cornelia H. (Nellie) (Myers) Bryan

Cornelia H. (Nellie) Bryan was born Oct. 26, 1895 in McCook, Red Willow County, Nebraska to Harris Myers and Elizabeth Vontz. She was married to Hartly Bryan March 22, 1916 in Nebraska City, NE where they lived until they moved to Haigler, NE in 1939.

They owned a hardware store in Haigler then farmed north of Laird, CO until they moved to Arvada, CO due to Mr. Bryan's health. After Hartly passed away, Nellie moved to Wray, CO where she passed away Feb. 11, 1981 at her home in Ra Ven Manor.

To this union four children were born. She was a member of the Haigler United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, four sisters, a daughter Margaret Clark and son-in-law, Vernon Clark, one infant son Kermit and her husband Hartly.

She is survived by a daughter Fay McVey and husband Wayne of Haigler, NE, son Harold Bryan and wife Berna of Denver, one sister Ella Stranger of Denver, CO, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Services were held Sat., Feb. 14, 1981 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Haigler, NE with the Rev. Harold Urton officiating. Organist was Florence Daniels. She accompanied Virginia Harford, Helen Woods, Ray Harford, and Don Harford with the selections "Life's Railway To Heaven" and "The Old Rugged Cross".

Bearers were Jim Courtney, Melvin Crouse, Murray Evans, Wayne Wiley, Calvin Jones and Sandy Warren.

Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery with funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, NE.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1993

Grace Marie (Cochran) Brynoff

BENKELMAN--Grace Marie Brynoff died Friday, June 4, 1993. at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska, at the age of 94 years and 14 days.

She was born May 20, 1899, in Broomfield, Colorado, the second of three daughters born to George and Gertrude (Pounder) Cochran.. Her early years were spent on their small farm near Broomfield where she helped with the farm chores including caring for their bees.

Grace graduated from Arvada (Colorado) High School where she was a member of the state champion basketball team.

She attended Boulder (Colorado) University for one year. then enrolled in Denver Bible Institute's three-year course and graduated from there in 1920.

It was at Denver Bible Institute that she met David Brynoff. They were married at her home in Broomfield on June 16, 1919.

Christian ministry was the main objective of her life. Her husband. David. became a Baptist minister and she worked with him as they pastored churches in Superior and Cripple Creek, Colorado; Happy and McLean, Texas; and at Pleasant Valley and Benkelman in Nebraska.

They moved to a farm north of Max, Nebraska, in 1930. In 1951 they moved to Max Into a new home which they had built. For most of the past two years, Grace resided at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

Grace enjoyed music and crocheting. She was a self-taught pianist and also played the organ.

She was active in church and community affairs.

She worked with Christian women's groups and women's clubs, played the piano or organ for church services, taught Sunday school and child evangelism classes, gave piano lessons and held Bible study classes in her home.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, David, in 1965, and by her daughter, Betty Ann Brynoff, in 1992.

She leaves 4 children: Jubal Brynoff and his wife, Wanda, of Aurora. Colorado. Fonce Brynoff and his wife, Twila, of North Platte, Nebraska, Nels Brynoff and his wife, Naomi, of Benkelman, and Mildred and her husband, Everette Conner, of Long Beach, California; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren: many nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law Selma Howard and Ruth Shillington.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 7, 1993. at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Revs. Art Phillips and Vernon Whetstone officiating. Jackie Wilson was the organist and Iola and Don Egle sang "How Great Thou Art" and "No Disappointment In Heaven."

Bearers were Tom Burrell, Glen Reiman, Verle Raichart, Glen Lemonm, Derald Rickard and Lyndell Whipps.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1992

Betty Ann Brynoff

CHATTANOOGA. Tenn.--Betty Ann Brynoff was born October 14, 1934, north of Max, Nebraska, to David and Grace Brynoff.

She died Sunday, October 29, 1992, at Parkridge Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 58.

Her early schooling was at a rural school, District #79. She was always a very good student and graduated from the rural eighth grade as an honor student. In the fall of 1948, her parents moved to Benkelman. Nebraska, and she attended Benkelman High School for two years.

Her junior year the family spent in Phoenix. Arizona. returning to Max when school concluded and she finished her senior year at Benkelman. She was very active in band, played in a trumpet trio that won many honors and was active in the dramatics department.

She graduated in May 1952 as salutatorian of her class and received a coveted full Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska for her academic accomplishments.

Her class was the first one to graduate from the new high school which is the present Dundy County High School.

The following September she enrolled in Rocky Mountain Bible Institute in Denver. Colorado, and finished the three-year diploma program in Christian education in 1955.

For two years she was a parish worker in a Denver church. She was chosen to be a field representative for Pioneer Girls of three eastern states and moved to Philadelphia where she enjoyed her work for 2 1/2 years. After this, she enrolled in Wheaton College in Illinois and received her bachelor of arts in English in 1963.

She taught high school English for five years in Illinois and Ohio before going to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to teach in Good Shepherd School. She was there three years and returned to Ohio where she taught for one year, then returned to Ethiopia for another three-year assignment.

In January 1976 she enrolled at Kent State University to finish a master's degree in English and it was granted in August 1977. She began teaching at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, the fall of 1976 and remained on the faculty until the spring of 1992.

She started work toward a doctor of philosophy (PhD) at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville during the summer of 1981 and received her doctorate in English in May 1992. Her dissertation was entitled "Plowing the Land: Images of the Human Bond with the Earth."

During her tenure at Bryan College she served as advisor to the student newspaper and served a two-year term as chairman of the conference on Christianity and Literature.

She was a member of the Ogden Baptist Church and dearly loved her church family who were so supportive in her bout with bone cancer.

She was preceded in death by her father, David Brynoff.

Surviving her are her mother, Grace Brynoff, of the Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman: a sister, Mildred Conner, and her husband. Everette, of Long Beach, California: three brothers: Nels and his wife, Naomi, of Benkelman, Fonce and his wife, Twila, of North Platte, Nebraska, and Jubal and his wife, Wanda, of Aurora, Colorado: two aunts: Selma Howard of Max and Ruth Shillington of Benkelman; four nephews; five nieces; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Services were held Wednesday, November 4, 1992, at 2 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Revs. Vernon Whetstone and Art Phillips officiating.

Organist was Jackie Wilson. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang “One Day At A Time" and "How Great Thou Art"

Bearers were Kenneth Foster, Bill Cawthra, Jerry Owens, Kenneth Frasier, Tom Burrell and Glen Lemon. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1965

David Henry Brynoff

Rev. David H. Brynoff, well-known resident and minister of Dundy county, went to be with the Lord at two o'clock Monday morning, November 22, 1965. He had been in failing health for several months.

Rev. Brynoff was born on the family homestead north of Max on May 19, 1892. His parents had emigrated from Sweden in 1889. Here his boyhood years were spent with his parents and five sisters. Rev. Brynoff was converted at the age of 14 and made plans to enter the ministry. At the age of 24, he accepted an appointment to the Methodist circuit north of McCook. Later he attended schools in Denver, Colorado, and in Plainview, Texas. He was ordained to the ministry in the Galilee Baptist Church of Denver.

In 1919, Rev. Brynoff was united in marriage to Grace M. Cochran of Broomfield, Colorado. To this union five children were born.

After serving churches in Superior and Cripple Creek, Colorado, Happy and McLean, Texas, he returned to Dundy county and made his home north of Max. He accepted a call to the Benkelman Baptist Church in 1931 and served as full-time pastor until 1950. The present church building was completed in 1949. From 1950 until his recent illness, he continued to assist in the ministry of the church in Benkelman.

Rev. Brynoff is survived by his wife, Grace, and their children: Mildred Conner of Long Beach, Calif., Nels Brynoff of Imperial, Nebr., Fonce Brynoff of North Platte, Nebr., Betty Brynoff of Mentor, Ohio, and Jubal Brynoff of Aurora, Colo. He also leaves nine grandchildren and two sisters, Mollie Stahley of Yuma, Colo., and Rosa Hitch of Salkum, Wash.; one half-sister, Selma Howard, of Max: one step-sister, Ruth Shillington, of Max; and twin step-brothers, Leslie Johnson of Albuquerque, New Mexico. and Leonard Johnson of McCook.

Rev. Brynoff was a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor, and a wise and conscientious spiritual leader, one whose presence will be greatly missed by a host of neighbors and friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1942

N. P. Brynoff

The long and eventful life of N. P. Brynoff came to a close at his home in Max Thursday evening at 6:15 p. m.

Mr. Brynoff was born in Sweden, September 15, 1858. He came to this country in the spring of 1889 and settled on a homestead north of Max, where he made his home until 1916 when he moved to Max. Here he lived until his death, February 5, 1942. He was 83 years, 4 months and 20 days old.

Mr. Brynoff was married to Miss Nellie Anderson in Sweden in the year of 1880. Eleven children were born to this union. Six of them have preceded him in death. In 1916 his wife passed away and was buried in the Highland cemetery.

In 1917 Mr. Brynoff was united in marriage to Mrs. Freda Johnson of Denver. Two children were born to them, one dying in infancy.

His wife and all the children and step-children, with the exception of Rose Hitch of Washington, were present at the funeral.

Mr. Brynoff had been in poor health for several years. The last two weeks disease, old age and complications were more than his frail body could stand. His demise was expected by his loved ones, and several of them were present at his bedside at the time of his departure.

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Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, March 31, 2006

Nels Brynoff

Friday, March 31, 2006

April 21, 1924 - March 29, 2006

BENKELMAN -- Nels Brynoff, 81, of Benkelman died Wednesday (March 29, 2006), at Midland Hospital in Papillion.

He was born April 21, 1924, at Happy, Texas to David and Grace (Cochran) Brynoff. Nels was the eldest son of five children.

He moved with his family to a farm north of Max in the thirties. He attended the local country school and later Max High School.

He worked for many neighbors especially at corn picking time. He served in the U.S. Army of occupation near Hiroshima, Japan shortly after the close of World War II. After his discharge he returned to his home at Max.

On Feb. 27, 1948, he married Naomi Richards.

The couple made their living working for a number of farmers.

It was while they lived on a farm in Imperial that they became the parents of two little sisters by adoption. Esther Ann was five and a half and Wanda Lucille was two and a half years old.

During his life, he did lots of custom work for neighbors and friends.

He was also a member of the local American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Grace Brynoff; and his younger sister, Betty.

he is survived by his wife, Naomi Brynoff of Benkelman; his two daughters, Esther Terrell and husband, David of Omaha and Wanda Adkinson and husband, Jim of Benkelman; sister Mildred Conner and husband, J.E. of California; brothers Fonce and wife, Twila of North Platte, , and Jubal and wife, Wanda of Aurora, Colo.; three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, 2 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel with Rev. Brian Fong and Carol Coates officiating. Interment with military honors will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 2006

Josephine (Ellis) Buettgenbach

Josephine (Ellis) Buettgenbach, 78, owner of Jo's Beauty Bar in Wichita, Kan., and retired in 1997, passed away on Friday, Feb. 10, 2006.

She was born on May 1, 1927, in Advance, N.C., to Steve and Reba Ellis. She grew up in Parks, Neb., and graduated from Parks High School in 1946.

After graduation she attended college in Kearney and received her teaching certificate. She taught school in Gypsum, Colo., for the term, then went to Wichita and was married to Ralph "Bud" Buettgenbach in 1947.

She was preceded in death by her husband who died in August 2005. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Terry and Rosemary of Fort Collins, Colo.; Gary and Sherry of Wichita, and Mike and Melanie, also of Wichita; grandchildren: Eric, Betsy, Daniel, Matthew and Megan; brothers Hayden Ellis of Wichita and Tom Ellis of Oconto, Neb.; sisters Joyce Crandon of Benkelman, Neb., June Schmidt of Kalispel, Mont., Pat Brehm of Omaha, Neb., Darlene Korf of McCook, Neb., Lillie Alt of Loveland, Colo., Gennive Haines of Burns, Ore., and Wilma Bauer of Eau Claire, Wis.

Services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2006, at Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel in Wichita with the Revs. Elsie Crickard and Alan Lindal officiating. Music was by violinist Megan Buettgenbach and by Monty Crandon who sang “The Lord's Prayer" acapella. Casket bearers were Matthew Buettgenbach, Eric Buettgenbach, Daniel Buettgenbach, Steve Ellis, David Ellis and Jeff Crandon. Interment was in the Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Lakeview Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, Aapril 1995

Fern O. (Hamilton) Buffington

Fern O. (Hamilton) Buffington was born January 19, 1913, at the family home in Mill Grove, Mercer County, Missouri. Her parents were George and Augusta (Hall) Hamilton. She died Tuesday, April 25, 1995, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 82 years.

In 1926, the family moved to a farm near Wauneta, Nebraska. Fern attended the Wauneta Public Schools and was the first in her family to earn her high school diploma.

Fern was employed after graduation as a nurse in Colorado Springs, Colorado, until her marriage to Ray Monroe Buffington on March 19, 1938. To that union, two sons were born: John Marshall, who died in infancy, and James Ray.

She was a homemaker, a 50+-year member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and a member of the Sheba Rebekah Lodge #321 for approximately 50 years. Until her declining health forced her to retire, Fern was active in the church's women's circles, the senior center, Lodge activities and several bridge groups. In the early 1980s, she was honored by the Rebekahs in a ceremony at York, Nebraska, where she received the Decoration of Chivalry.

Mrs. Buffington is preceded in death by her parents: her husband: a son. John: a sister, Iris Cloud, and three brothers, Ivan, Graden and Kenneth.

She is survived by her son, James, and his wife, Janice, of Terre Haute, Indiana; two grandchildren, Stephen and his wife, Tammy, of Benkelman and Brittany and her husband, Chris Brighton, of Terre Haute; two sisters, Doris Dinnel of McCook, Nebraska. and Lucille and her husband, A.G. Clark, of Reno, Nevada; a brother-in-law, Clyde Hahn, and his wife Linda, of Longmont. Colorado: sisters-in-law, Hazel Hamilton of Kansas City, Missouri, Ruth Hamilton of West Sacramento, California, and Jesse Hamilton of Longmont; many nieces, nephews and other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Fern knew she had much more love to give than two grandkids could ever want or need so she "adopted" Janice's niece and nephew, Anita and Michael Lutz. She loved them and was as proud of them as she was of Stephen and Brittany. In addition to her own son, Jim, there were several other boys she lavished her love on, including her nephews, Woodson Hamilton, Japp Dinnel and Jim Hahn, and the boy who has always been so special to the family, Lee Gallatin. And when Jim married Janice, she finally had the daughter she wanted and loved.

Services were held Saturday, April 29, 1995, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. The organist was Betty Erdman and Richard Bartholomew sang "He Touched Me" and "Open The Gates." The congregational hymn was "Amazing Grace."

Bearers were Wayne, Michael and Tony Lutz, Dennis Novacek, Ron Stacey and Richard Cline. Honorary bearers were Dudley Blank. A.G. Clark. Japp Dinnel, Max Earnest, Lee Gallatin, Clyde and Jim Hahn, Woodson Hamilton. Joe Lutz, Burgess Marshall and Bill Welty.

Honored friends were Beulah Allen. Elaine Blank, Hilda Bowers. Lucille Bradley. Georgia Earnest, Lela Mae Frasier, JoAnn Gallatin, Melba Loker, Jean Novacek. Letha Sailors and Lucille Spaulding.

Commital was offered by Sheba Rebekah Lodge #321. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2003

Nina G. (Horn) Buffington

Nina G. Buffington, 83, of Fort Collins, Colo., passed away on Nov. 5, 2003, at McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colo. She was the youngest of 10 children born to Albert J. and Mary Ellen (Holmes) Horn on March 8, 1920, at Rollwitz, Neb.

Nina, at the age of four, began attending a rural school with her older sister, Vera. When she was eight years old, Nina and her family moved to Parks, Neb., where she attended grade school and high school and graduated with honors in 1936, receiving the Class Citizenship Award.

For financial reasons, Nina could not attend college, so she took a post-graduate course at the Parks High School, learning typing and bookkeeping. Following completion of the course, Nina was hired to work at the AAA Office at the courthouse in Benkelman, Neb. During this time, she met Kenneth Buffington. Kenneth had joined the U.S. Navy in August 1942 to serve in World War II, but when his ship was hit and damaged, it was necessary that it be returned to San Francisco for repairs.

While Kenneth was home, he and Nina were united in marriage on April 26, 1944, at the Benkelman United Methodist Church. After a short leave, Ken had to return to his ship for more overseas duty in the South Pacific. Nina returned to her work at the AAA Office and advanced to the position of secretary-treasurer.

There were many anxious moments for Nina, not knowing from one day to the next whether or not Ken was safe. She knew of the many battles in which Ken's ship, the U.S.S. Farenholt, was involved. Nina finally received word that Ken was on his way home to receive his honorable discharge in November 1945.

They were blessed with two children: Gail in 1947 and Gary in 1951. They started a plumbing and heating business in Benkelman and then later, in 1956, they moved to Fort Collins. Nina was an Avon representative for many years in Fort Collins.

Education was very high on Nina's and Ken's agenda and they both enjoyed and were proud of the many accomplishments of their children and five grandchildren. Both Nina and Ken were avid sports fans in Nebraska and Colorado.

Nina was known for ending every telephone conversation with loved ones_with the words "love all of you!"

Nina and Ken, members of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins, were unable to be active participants in their church in recent years due to Nina's health.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents and nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth: daughter Gail and son-in-law John Ward of Longmont; son Gary Buffington and daughter-in-law Sally of Fort Collins: five grandchildren: Jennifer Buffington, Marc Buffington, Kimberly Ward, Matthew Buffington and Kevin Ward, and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Nina Buffington were held at 10:30 a. m. on Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joyce Curtis of the Fort Collins church and the Rev. Trudy Robinson of the Loveland First United Methodist Church officiating. Entombment was in the Grandview Cemetery. Arrangements were by Bohlender Funeral Chapel.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1975

Carrie May (Nuding) Buffington

Carrie May Buffington passed away in her sleep on Saturday, March 1st at Kinder Kare Nursing Home in Wauneta at the age of 86 years and three months. She had been a resident of Wauneta for the past five years, returning to Wauneta in 1970 from Colorado Springs, Colorado where she had made her home since 1934.

She was born to J. Henry Nuding and Elizabeth Wagner Nuding at Washington, Illinois on November 30, 1888. She came to the Ough community as an infant with her parents where they were pioneer homesteaders. She attended the rural schools and was baptized into Mt. Zion Church. She was saved in her early years and loved the Lord and was faithful to the end. She studied her Bible diligently and she could quote many scriptures.

In 1907 she was united in marriage to Edward F. Buffington. To this union five children were born, Edward, Leona, Edna, Harold and Thomas. They homesteaded in the Haigler area and moved to Wauneta in 1929. They resided there until 1934 when they moved to Colorado Springs. She returned to Wauneta in 1970 to be near family members.

She leaves to mourn her passing four children, Edward Buffington and wife Pauline, and Leona Paustian of Wauneta, Harold Buffington and wife Laura of Dodge City, Kansas and Tom Buffington and wife Arlene of Mitchell, Nebraska. There are eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by four sisters, Anna Ganglion, Englewood, Colo., Rose Welton, Wray, Colo., Nellie Carpenter, Marion, Indiana and Mrs. Ainie Gygi, Elkhart, Indiana. She was preceeded in death by her husband, daughter Edna, her parents, one brother and one sister. She enjoyed her grandchildren and her many relatives and friends. She maintained her own home until six months ago when her health failed.

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Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, June 18, 2004

Edward Buffington

Friday, June 18, 2004

Jan. 8, 1908-June 17, 2004

WAUNETA -- Edward Warren Buffington, 96, died Thursday (June 17, 2004) at Heritage Care Facility in Wauneta.

He was born Jan. 8, 1908, to Edward F. and Carrie M. (Nuding) Buffington near the Ough Community in Dundy County. He moved with his family to the Haigler area, where he attended school and helped on the farm.

On Feb. 12, 1929, he married Pauline Louise Schwenk at the Nazarene Church in Wray, Colo. The couple made a home south of Wauneta where they farmed until retirement in 1974, moving to Wauneta. In 1999, his failing health forced him to move to the Heritage of Wauneta Nursing Home..

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline in 1990; daughter, Orpha Maris in 2003; brothers, Harold and Thomas; and sister, Edna McBride.

Survivors include his sister, Leona Paustian of Wauneta; sisters-in-law, Arlene and Laura Buffington; three grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Services are Monday, 10 a.m. (MST), at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with the Rev. Michael Laing and Roger Yost officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Visitation is Sunday, 2-6 p.m. (MST), at Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1979

Harold Lee Buffington

Harold Lee Buffington died Thurs., Nov. 1, 1979, at the Dodge City Regional Hospital at the age of 62.

He was born June 1, 1917 to Edward F. Buffington and Carrie M. Nuding in Dundy County, Nebraska.

He was united in marriage to Laura M. Meury, Feb. 6, 1939 at Castle Rock, Colorado.

He is survived by his wife Laura and four sons: Roger and wife Dixie of Farmington, New Mexico; Dennis of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; Ray Dean and wife Vicki of Imperial, and Mark of Bartley: two brothers, Edward of Wauneta, Tom of Mitchell and one sister Leona Paustan, Wauneta, five grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and one sister.

He moved from McCook in 1972 to Dodge City. Kansas where he was employed by Goochs Best Feeds as territory manager. July 1 he had to give up his work due to failing health. He was a victim of Lympthoma for the past year, which took his life, in spite of the best up-to-date treatments and good doctors. He bore his cross, not complaining, but with much suffering and high hopes that through it all his life could be prolonged. Harold was a loving husband, father and a friend to all who knew him far and wide. He especially loved older people and was very kind to them.

He was baptized into the Catholic faith recently, and was a member of the Elks Lodge of McCook and the Moose Lodge of Dodge City.

The Rosary was recited at the Burkhart Funeral Chapel in Dodge City, and the funeral mass was at 10:30 Monday at the St. John's Catholic Church in Wauneta and burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Father Marama of Max, Nebraska, recited the Mass and Sharon Walgren sang "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art." Pall bearers were cousins of Harold: Warren Buffington, Robert Buffington, Kenneth Buffington, Bill Buffington, Troil Welton, and Obit Nuding. Memorials are being accepted for the Cancer Care Unit, St Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.

Creveling Funeral Home of Wauneta were in charge of arrangements.

Out-of-town relatives and friends who attended the Buffington funeral services were:

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Buffington, Sheri and Julie of Farmington, New Mexico; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Baker, Dallas, Texas: Mrs. Clara Czeschin, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. James Young, Denver, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Troll Welton, Wray, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Obit Nuding, Hebron, Nebraska;

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Buffington, Mitchell, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lapp, Hayes Center, Nebraska; Mark Buffington, Bartley, Nebraska; Donna Karp, Bartley, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Tony Godec, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Bev Godec, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Buffington, Longmont, Colo; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Buffington, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Warren Buffington, Arthur, Nebr.; Pearl Newman, Imperial, Nebr.;

Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Denker, Haxtun, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stinnette, Hastings, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shepard, McCook, Nebr.; Mrs. Bob Hoff, McCook, Nebr.; Mrs. Alden Peterson, McCook, Nebr.; Dennis Buffington, Ft. Morgan, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Buffington, and son, Imperial, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Souge, Imperial, Nebr.; and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Harris, McCook, Nebr.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1992

Keith W. Buffington

IMPERIAL — Keith W. Buffington, 47, died Tuesday (Sept. 1, 1992) at Chase County Hospital in Imperial.

He was born July 19, 1945, in Benkelman, to William and Alvina (McBride) Buffington. He was a high school graduate and attended two years at Milford Technical School.

He married Sylvia Yost July 26, 1964, in Imperial. They settled in Lincoln while he attended school and then farmed south of Wauneta.

He was a farmer and rancher until 1990 when he moved into Imperial where he was involved in sales.

He was a member and past board member of Christian Faith Outreach Church and the Dundy County Fair Board; and director of Farmer's Co-op in Wauneta.

Survivors include his wife of Imperial; his parents of Wauneta; two sons, Dirk and wife Jenelle of Imperial, and Matt and wife LeAnne of Tulsa, Okla; two daughters, Lori and husband Robert Wittwer of Grand Island, and Lisa and husband Troy Vlasin of Imperial; one brother, Kent and wife Sharon of Wauneta; one sister, Janice and husband Don Hewitt of Holyoke, Colo.; and two grandchildren.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. MDT Friday at the Christian Faith Outreach Church in Imperial, with Pastors Glen Kline and Jim Hoganson officiating.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Memorials may be given in his name and left at Liewer Funeral Home in Imperial.

Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1975

Ray Monroe Buffington

Ray Monroe Buffington, executive vice-president and cashier of the State Bank in Benkelman, Nebraska, died Saturday, August 23, 1975, at the age of 64 years, 7 months. He was born January 24, 1911 to James Monroe and Ethel L. Buffington at Quincy, Illinois.

Ray was married to Fern 0. Hamilton on March 19, 1938, at Benkelman, Nebraska, and to this union two sons were born: John Marshall and James Ray. He is survived by his mother, Ethel Buffington; his wife, Fern; one son, Jim of Johnson, Nebraska; a daughter-in-law, Janice (Blank); a grandson, Stephen Thomas; a granddaughter, Brittany Rae; and many other relatives. Preceding him in death was his father; one son, John; and his sister, Elizabeth B. Hahn.

At the age of nine, Ray, with his parents and sister, moved to Hamlet, Nebraska, where he lived until 1934. At that time he moved to Benkelman and was employed by the State Bank where he spent the last 41 years of his life.

Besides being an officer and member of the Board of Directors at the State Bank, he was an active member of the Methodist Church, the IOOF Lodge, and Rebekahs. He was treasurer of the Methodist Church for many years and was honored with a loyalty chain from the IOOF Lodge #361 for his service as treasurer in that organization. In 1975, he was presented a plaque for his distinguished volunteer leadership for the National Foundation of the March of Dimes. From 1966 to 1971 Ray was a member of the city council and was appointed mayor of the City of Benkelman, serving from 1971 to 1974.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating and the IOOF Lodge #361 in charge of committal. Burial was at the Benkelman Cemetery directed by the Jones- Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1984

Thomas D. Buffington

Thomas D. Buffington, 63, died early Sunday morning, January 29, 1984, at the Scottsbluff General Hospital in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. His death was caused from a massive heart attack.

Tom was born August 22, 1920, in Haigler, Nebraska, to Edward F. and Carrie M. (Nuding) Buffington.

In 1927, Tom, with his family, moved to Wauneta, Nebraska. In 1934, the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he finished his schooling, graduating from high school. After graduation he learned the trade of meat cutting and worked in several markets there. In later years, Tom worked for the FBI out of Denver. During World War II, Tom served his country in the Merchant Marines until he was given a medical discharge.

In 1944, he returned to Wauneta where he worked as a meat cutter and manager of the Co-op Locker plant which had newly opened in Wauneta.

On June 15, 1945, he was united in marriage to Arlene E. Elliott of Mitchell. In 1951, a four-month-old baby girl came to make her home with Tom and Arlene.

For a time Tom operated the IGA Super Food market in Wauneta.

In 1956, the family moved to North Platte where Tom was a Cudahy Foods representative for nine years. In 1964, they moved to rural Mitchell where, for 18 years, he worked for Associated Grocers, first as a traveling merchandiser and public relations man, and later as order buyer, retiring in 1982.

Tom leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Arlene; daughter, Anne Thacker; brother, Edward Buffington; sister, Leona Paustian of Wauneta, and grandsons, Eric and Bryce Thacker of Scottsbluff.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister, Edna, and brother, Harold, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Tom had a warm, friendly nature and never met a stranger. He was loved by all who knew him and was known for his great sense of humor. One always knew he was around for he was the entertainment with his latest jokes, wit and stories. He was known for his whistling, for he mocked every bird in town from morning until night. He also had a tender, serious side.

At a very tender age, he would entertain with the songs and stories that he learned at Sunday School, even if he had to run away from home to accomplish his mission which gave his mother much concern daily. He could outshoot any boy on the block at marbles and had the knees out of his pants and pockets sagging with the other guys' marbles to prove his skill.

Tom really never retired for he was the president of the family farm corporation, doing all maintenance and business which was indeed a full-time job.

He had a rewarding hobby of working in his shop renovating and finishing antique furniture. He built everything from butcher block tables to toys for his grandsons to bulletin boards to magazine racks. He was also a rock hound.

Tom loved people and sold himself well in his various walks of life and business. He touched every life he met and will be sadly missed by his family and scores of friends.

Services were held Wednesday, February 1, 1984, in the Jones Mortuary Chapel at Mitchell with Rev. T.J. Fraser officiating. Pallbearers were his nephews, Ray Dean Buffington, Emerson Schwenk, Don Denker, Charles Ganz, Bruce Duemler and Phillip Swaim. Burial was at Mitchell Valley Cemetery.

Memorials are being accepted for the United Methodist Church where Torn attended and was a member and also for the Mitchell Rescue Unit.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1980

Warren Burton Buffington

Warren Burton Buffington was born in Omaha, Nebraska November 29, 1889 and departed this life March 2, 1980 at the Chase County Hospital. He moved with his parents William E. and Mary Virginia Buffington and his three brothers, Frank, Jesse and Paul from Omaha in 1906 and settled on a farm in the Ough Precinct.

On July 29, 1913, Warren and Hazel Ruth Scott were united in marriage in Benkelman, Nebraska and promised "for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health to love each other as long as they both shall live . . ." To this union of love --were born 4 sons and one daughter. They celebrated 63 years of married life before his beloved sweetheart preceded him in death on November 21, 1976.

A farmer by trade, Warren worked through the era of a horse drawn walking plow, to our modern day machinery. Upon leaving the farm in 1959, Warren never actually "retired" but became very involved with planting and tilling the joys and love of sharing with his family and friends. In later years his greatest pleasure was sharing his many pictures, stories and antics of his five children, 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson.

December 2, 1979, his family and friends helped him celebrate his 90th birthday at an Open House.

Survivors who will miss him include his sons, Warren Buffington of Arthur, NE.; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Buffington, Wauneta; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Buffington, Longmont, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Buffington, Ft. Collins, Colo.; and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Buford (Betty) Eaton, Aurora, Colo.; his grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Lloyd Williams of Blue Hill, NE.; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

His parents, wife, brothers, one grandson and one great grandson preceded him in death.

Services were conducted at the Mt. Zion Methodist Church where he had been a member for over 60 years. Rev. Charles Graff officiated.

Escorts were his seven grandsons—Ray, Dick, Don, Kent, Keith, Bob and Gary Buffington. Pianist was Mrs. Vearl McBride who accompanied Mrs. Robert Walgren as she sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Rock Of Ages." Interment was at the Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta, NE.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 2000

William Thomas Buffington

WAUNETA--William Thomas Buffington was born Nov. 20, 1915, south of Fort Morgan, Colo., and passed away on Dec. 31, 1999, at the North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo., at the age of 84. He was the second son of Warren and Hazel (Scott) Buffington.

He grew to manhood on a farm south of Wauneta, Neb., and enjoyed the life of being a farmer and raising cattle and having horses. Even at the age of 83, he enjoyed being on a horse and tending to their care. Most of his life was spent farming on the South Divide, beginning with the horse-drawn plow, shucking corn by hand and being part of a threshing crew to the modern-day equipment.

On Dec. 12, 1935. he and Alvina Elizabeth McBride were united in marriage and he fondly called her his "No. 1 girl" for 64 years when they celebrated their last anniversary. To this union one daughter and two sons were born.

His wife called him Bill, his children called him Dad, his grandchildren called him Grandpa Buff and he was affectionately called "Bill Buff” by a host of friends and family.

Family was very important to Bill Buff and he worked very hard to provide the important things in life to his family such as belief in God, love, trust, loyalty and accountability. He always could be counted on for being truthful and straightforward. He believed in setting an example for his family and others to follow. Some of his greatest joys were watching his sons and grandchildren play sports and listening to stories about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They remember Grandpa Buffs root beer floats.

The foundation for his faith began at his mother's knee followed by Sunday school and worship at the Mount Zion Church south of Wauneta. In his later years, he attended the Christian Faith Outreach Church. He was not a "preaching kind of fella" but once again, led by example, and held himself accountable to the Lord.

His belief was being a good neighbor, taking care of the earth and doing your part to make it a better world. He served as a 4-H leader of the Dundy County Range Riders 4-H horse club for many years and was instigator of the trail ride which brought much pleasure to children and adults. He served several years as a Dundy County commissioner but always he considered his greatest job to be husband, father and grandfather.

Preceding him in death were his youngest son, Keith Wayne, who passed away Sept. 1, 1992, his parents and his younger brother, Robert.

Those who believe that death is not the end but life eternal include his wife, Alvina; daughter Janice and husband, Donald Hewitt, of Holyoke, Colo.; a son, Kent and wife, Sharon, of Wauneta; daughter-in-law Sylvia Buffington, of Imperial, Neb.; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; brothers Warren of Texas and Kenneth and wife, Nina, of Colorado; a sister, Betty June Eaton, of Colorado, and a host of friends and family.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000. at the Christian Faith Outreach Church with grandson Pastor Barry Emerson in charge and Glen Kline assisting. Providing music for the service were grandson Matt Buffington, sister-in-law Lucille McBride and a friend of the family, Gary Malone. Casket bearers were his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were Vearl McBride, Jim McKinney, Riley Mintling, Rolland Fortkamp and the "buddies" at the coffee shop. Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta. Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1979

Edith Cora (Bush) Buhler

Edith Cora Buhler, daughter of David William and Ella Mae Bush was born Sept 1, 1893 at Bartley, NE and passed from this life Sept. 10, 1979 at the Kinder Kare rest home at Wauneta, NE at the age of 86 years and 9 days.

Edith's earlier years until the time of her marriage were spent on a farm near Bartley, the place of her birth and on Jan. 17, 1912, at McCook, NE she was united in marriage to George Jonathan Buhler and to this union two daughters were born, Bernetta and Thelma.

Following their marriage they moved to Idaho and there resided for the next 10 years. They then moved to Trenton where they resided for the next 30 years. They moved to Benkelman and while there in 1962, her husband, George passed away. For the rest of her years, Edith lived in Benkelman and Trenton vicinities until ill health took her to the hospital at Imperial, and at the time of her passing she was a resident of the Kinder Kare rest home at Wauneta.

Edith was baptized into the Christian church the last Sunday of Sept in 1961 at Barley, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, Elsie, Frank and Ray; and four sisters, Jewell, Mae, Clara and Etta.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her two daughters, Bernetta Steel of Benkelman and Thelma Hunt and her husband Fred of Sterling, CO; four sisters, Daisy of McCook, Emma, Ruth of Grand Junction, CO; and Velva of Denver, CO; six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends.

Edith enjoyed crocheting and making old fashioned dolls and many were the works of her hands that shall live on to remind her family and friends of hr life and love.

Services were held at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, NE Wed., Sept 12, 1979 at 2 p.m. They were conducted by Rev. Robert Sander. Organist was Jackie Wilson and singers were Carol and Robert Sander who sang "I Heard The Voice Of Jesus" and "Nothing Between”. Bearers were Larry Steele, Steven Hunt, Wayne Baney, Allen Rigel, Donovan McEvoy and Michael Rigel. Funeral was conducted by Jones Funeral Home in Benkelman, NE with interment at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1942

Joseph Bukacek

The Benkelman community was deeply grieved last Friday when it became known that Joseph Bukacek suddenly passed away at his home west of Benkelman just following his noonday meal. The family were gathered around the table and were conversing when Mr. Bukacek suddenly remarked to the effect that he was terribly ill. And then he collapsed. A physician was called who found that death had been instantaneous and that a heart attack had been the cause. Previous to the time he collapsed Mr. Bukacek had apparently been in his usual good health and was in the best of spirits, laughing and joking with members of his family. He expected to mow feed in the afternoon and had his team harnessed and everything in readiness to go. Mr. Bukacek had visited Benkelman the afternoon previously and seemed to be feeling fine and in good spirits as he greeted and chatted with his friends and in Benkelman everybody was Joe's friend since he was that type of a man, being friendly with all, considerate, honorable and upright in his daily walk in life. It was a crushing blow to the wife and children but it was also a crushing blow to the people of Benkelman who knew and so long admired Mr. Bukacek, who can now only convey to the stricken wife and children their tenderest sympathies in the loss of their loved one.

Funeral services were held at the Benkelman Methodist church Sunday afternoon. being conducted by Rev. Milo W. Rose. Singers were Mrs. Dick Mason, Mrs. Harry L. Ough, R. D. Druliner and Lloyd Boswell with Mrs. D. L. Ough at the piano. Pallbearers were N. C. Reisher, Tom O'Leary, Tom Humphrey, Albert Blecha, Fred Pringle and Dave Jones. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery with the McEvoy mortuary in charge.

Joseph Bukacek was born April 9, 1875, in Moravia, Czechoslovakia. His parents engaged in farming so the love of the soil was part of his youthful life. He completed his education in the day and church school and was confirmed at the age of 14 in the Brethren Evangelical church. His father passed away early in life leaving the responsibility of the family in the hands of his eldest son and he remained as the head of the household until his marriage to Antoniette Libra on February 24, 1896. They established their home where their son Joseph was born and passed away at the age of two years. Later two daughters, Bessie and Martha came to brighten their home.

As some of the near relatives of both sides of the house were making their home in America Mr. Bukacek decided to investigate the possibilities of this new land in view of establishing their home. He spent the year 1904 in the Middle West and then returned for his wife and two daughters, bringing them to the destination he had selected in Richardson county, Nebraska in March 1905. A son, Bud J., was born at this new home. Mr. Bukacek desired to become an American citizen and as soon as the necessary time had elapsed he received citizenship papers. He entered railroad work at this time, moving his family to Table Rock so that the three small children would have school privileges as his interest in their education was of paramount importance to him. Later a third daughter, Virginia, was added to this family. The mother had developed asthma and they decided to come to the higher altitude of Dundy county to relieve her suffering. From 1916 to 1922 they lived in Benkelman where he continued in railroad work. In 1922 he was transferred to Imperial, living there until his health failed and he retired in 1932. He and his wife then returned to farming south of Benkelman where his life came to a close last Friday. The love of the land and its care which he had learned in his early life was evident in the development of this last home.

His passing leaves to mourn his devoted wife, his three daughters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Fries and Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Crook of Benkelman, and Mr. and Mrs. Laurin Sullivan of Almena, Kansas, and his only son and his wife, Captain and Mrs. B. J. Bukacek of Kansas City, and his two granddaughters and five grandsons and three step grandsons, Dale, Guy and Rodney Fries, beside a host of friends who came to him thru his friendly contacts and attitudes throughout life. Because of the war it is unknown at to how many relatives remain in his Moravian home.

Though death interrupted his work so suddenly last Friday what he had accomplished has left its mark on the lives of his children and those whose life he has touched.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2005

Ernest Arden Bullock

Ernest Arden Bullock of Brookfield, Wis., passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 23, 2005, at the age of 82 years.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1923, the son of Frank and Mabel Bullock, longtime residents of Haigler, Neb.

Ernie was a World War II veteran in the United States Navy, serving in the Pacific Theatre. He was a member of the Waukesha Elks Club.

Ernie was known as a generous, caring man of many talents.

He is survived by daughter Lisa (Tony) Buttitta; granddaughters Katy, Kayla and Krystal; sisters Edith (Rudy) Zweygardt and Lila Frauekron; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bette, and a sister, Mary Smith.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Elm Grove. Entombment took place at the Holy Cross Cemetery.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1970

Frank Earnest Bullock

Frank Earnest Bullock was born April 7, 1893, to C. V. and Mary Bullock at Cozad, Nebr., and passed away September 1, 1970, at the age of 77 years, four months and 25 days at the Stalker Lake near Wray, Colo., while fishing at 7:15 a.m.

During his childhood his famil'y moved to Grassland, Kentucky. Later they moved to a homestead near Oberlin, Kans. At the age of 18 he was baptized into the Baptist Church. On June 4, 1917, he was married to Mabel M. Leech at Minden, Nebr. To this union four children were born, Earnest Arden, Lila Mae, Edith Marie and Mary Jeannette.

On October 8, 1917, he entered the United States Army from Holdrege, Nebr., and served two years in the cooks and bakers division. Upon receiving his discharge in 1919 they moved to a farm a few miles east of Haigler where he was engaged in farming and painting. They retired and moved to Haigler in 1948.

Frank was a friend to everyone. He was always available to those who called upon him for assistance of any kind. It was his nature to be generous and his gifts of kindness were done quietly and for the joy of serving families and friends. He faithfully listened to his favorite religious services on the radio. His health had been failing several years and especially durig the last two years.

Preceding him in death are his parents, four brothers and two sisters. He leaves to mourn, his wife, Mabel: a son, Earnest Arden, of Milwaukee. Wisconsin; three daughters. Lila Mae Viands of St. Francis, Kansas, Edith Marie Zweygardt of Englewood. Colo., Mary Jeannette Smith of McCook. Nebr.; one daughter-in-law. Elizabeth. and three sons-in-law, Earl, Rudy, and Don: two sisters. Leana Oates and Mabel Houseman of San Francisco, Calif.; three sisters-in-law. Emma Bullock, Denver. Colo., Florence Erickson of Norton. Kansas, Emma Niefert of Colorado Springs. Colo.: two brothers-in-law. Alfred Oates and W. P. Erickson; seven grandchildren„ and two great-grandchildren, three cousins, Zella Kelley of Woodland Park, Colo., Bertha Barrett of Cisne, Illinois, and Myrtle Kuhns of Haigler, Nebr., and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at Haigler United Methodist church on Friday. September 4,, 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Hiram Lilley officiating.

Casketbearers, were Paul Freehling. Sr., Hansel Phipps, Royal Woods III, Frederick Zuege, LaVoine Collicott and Robert Schorzman.

Military honors were conducted at the Haigler Cemetery by American Legion Post No. 134.

Those from out of town in attendance: Mr. and Mrs. Arden Bullock and Lisa of Milwaukee. Wisconsin; Mr. and Mrs Earl Viands of St. Francis; Mr. and Mrs. Ruby Zweygardt and Ronald of Englewood. Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Don Smith and Patricia of McCook, Nebr.; Melvin Smith of Lincoln, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Zweygardt of Longmont, Colo.; Mrs. Jerry Bressler of Emporia, Kans.; Mr. and Mrs. James Doggett of Kansas City, Kansas. and great grandchildren Chalice Doggett and Briggette Bressler: Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Erickson and Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Lesh, Norton, Kansas; Mrs. Lee Thomas of Lamar, Nebr., Mr. and Mrs. Glen Houston, Imperial, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Bullock of Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Ralph of Oberlin. Kansas; Pastor Paul Borin, Kathryn Zweygardt, Bill Zweygardt, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Zweygardt, M r s Fern Forsythe, all of St. Francis; Nellie Bryan, Troil Welton, Ralph Crews, Dean Henry, Thelma Doyle of Wray, Colo.: Mrs. Zella Wall of Denver; Matilda Yost, Ida Albright of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1987

Henry Fred Bunjes,

Henry Fred Bunjes, born April 24, 1909, in Ruskin, Nebraska, died July 3, 1987, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a brief hospitalization for a series of heart attacks.

Henry was a son of Gerhardt and Marie (Meyer) Bunjes. He was baptized on May 16, 1909, and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church near Deshler, Nebraska,

In 1938 he married the former Sibyl Wiggins and to this union two daughters were born, Shirley and Janelle. They also raised a nephew, Scott Wiggins, from early childhood until he became an adult.

Henry was a farmer and cattleman all of his life. He moved his family from Nebraska to Bird City, Kansas, in 1945. He and his brother, Otto, worked together closely in their farming operations. Henry deeply loved, appreciated and enjoyed his farm and work.

Henry was a quiet, gentle man who truly had many friends and no enemies. He will be greatly missed.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his two sisters, Christina Hofts and Helen Fitzsimmons.

He is survived by his two daughters, Shirley Bunjes and Janelle Andrews, both of Kansas City, Missouri; his brother, Otto of St. Francis, Kansas; brother-in-law, Eldon Fitzsimmons of Fresno, California, and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.

Services were held July 7, 1987, at 10:30 a.m. at Kramer Chapel in St. Francis with the Rev. Larry May officiating.

Organist was Kris Fleming. Dan and Lynn Busse sang the selection, "Whispering Hope."

Pall bearers were Dale Bunjes, Ronnie Hofts, Loren Wilson, Eugene Lillich, Julius Lillich and Otto Lillich.

Interment was in the Bird City Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2002

Shirley Kay Bunjes

Clearwater, Florida:--Shirley Kay Bunjes, 60, of Clearwater died Monday, July 15, 2002, at the Suncoast Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Sept. 10, 1941, in Oak, Neb., to Henry and Sibyl Bunjes. When she was three; she moved with her parents and younger sister, Janelle, to a farm southwest of Bird City, Kan.

Shirley attended school in Bird City, graduating from high school in 1959. She worked as a nurse aide at the St. Francis (Kan.) Hospital before attending Halstead (Kan.) Hospital School of Nursing. She received her RN degree in 1964.

The next 12 years included working at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb., with two summers as camp nurse in the Colorado mountains and a winter at the Sun Valley (Idaho) Hospital.

In the mid-1970s, she moved to Kansas City, Mo., and began working at Bethany Medical Center in its Nursing Service Administrative and Continuing Education department.

In 1991, Shirley moved to the Tampa/Clearwater area and worked for Laboratory Corporation of America.

Shirley was a kind and gentle person--always ready to assist anyone to make them feel better, which is evident in her long nursing and medical-related career. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Janelle Andrews, of Clearwater, a cousin, Scott Wiggins, of Grants, N.M., and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held at the Bird City Cemetery on Saturday, July 20, 2002, with Norman Morrow, minister of the Church of Christ, officiating. Moss Feaster Funeral Home of Clearwater and Knodel Funeral Home of St. Francis were in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2000

Gladys Sarah Ann (Brown) Bunning

LaBELLE, Fla.--Former Maple Valley resident, Gladys Sarah Ann Brown Bunning, 90, died July 13, 2000, at her home in LaBelle.

Gladys was born Oct. 7, 1909, in Ames, Iowa, and resided there until she married Theodore 'Ted" Bunning on Sept. 12, 1925, and moved to Nebraska. There they started their family while farming and later owned the blacksmith shop in Benkelman, Neb.

The family moved to the Pacific Northwest as the blacksmith business was becoming a thing of the past. Starting over with a new job at Boeing, the Bunnings chose to build their new home in Maple Valley during the mid-1950s.

Gladys was active in the Tahoma Assembly of God Church, worked part-time for the Tahoma School District and was a member of TOPS.

After retiring, the inseparable couple of 60 years traveled throughout the United States conducting and singing park church services. They settled in Florida.

Besides gospel singing, Mrs. Bunning enjoyed fishing, gardening and family gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two children and a grandson.

She is survived by three sons: Larry L. and wife, Sandra, of Renton, Wash., Gary L. and wife, Linda, of Murphy, N.C., and Fred W. and wife, Lana, of Kent, Wash.; two daughters: Dorothy and husband, Ken Preuett, of Kent and Kathy and husband, Clifford Avery, of LaBelle; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2000, at the Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery.

After the service, everyone was invited to gather at Fred and Lana Bunning's home in Kent.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1997

Helen Irene (Slade) Bunning

Helen Irene (Slade) Bunning was born to Guy and Fern A. (Ridlen) Slade on Nov. 7, 1924, in Chase County, Neb. She died in Denver, Colo., while a patient at Presbyterian/St. Luke Hospital on Sunday, April 27, 1997, at the age of 72 years, 5 months and 20 days.

She was raised north of Benkelman, Neb., and attended school in the Hiawatha precinct in northwestern Dundy County, finishing the eighth grade.

She was united in marriage to Wesley L. "Bud" Bunning on Dec. 8, 1941, at the courthouse in Benkelman with Judge Woodward officiating. To this union three children were born: Helen Delores, Jonathan "Jack" Duane, and Dennis Leroy. She assisted in raising her three nephews: Lee, Gary and Ernie, and her niece, Pam Slade, after their mother's death. She thought of these children as her own.

As a young housewife and mother, she raised large gardens and chickens which she dressed and sold to local people. She enjoyed sewing for her family and playing pitch and rummy with family and friends. She was employed at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman for many years. She helped families with painting, wallpapering and any other job that needed to be done.

She and Bud worked for Vi and Ben Gottschalk of rural Benkelman for many years. Following Bud's death she continued to live on the farm. This was still her home at the time of her passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Dennis; her parents; three brothers: Marion, Kenneth and Guy Jr.; a granddaughter, Alisha M. Browder, and a son-in-law, Bob Roney.

Survivors include her daughter, Delores Roney of Stratton, Neb.; her son, Jack, and his wife, Connie, of Wallace, Neb.; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Bunning of Clarkson, Neb.; 3 sisters-in-law: Gladys Bunning of LaBelle, Fla., Ruth Parker of Broken Bow, Neb., and Fern Tanksley of Chehalis Wash.; a brother, Leonard Slade, and his wife, Donna, of Cambridge, Neb.; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins, and very special friends Virginia Clark and Nora Lee Hutchinson, both of Benkelman.

Final rites for Helen Bunning were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 1997, at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist and Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "Sweet Hour Of Prayer" and "Rock Of Ages."

Bearers were Gayle Jensen, Boyce Warning, Jerry Shafer, Jerry Fries, Merwin Petersen and Larry Clark. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1979

Dennis Leroy Bunning

Dennis Leroy Bunning was born to Wesley (Bud) and Helen Slade Bunning Oct. 25, 1946 at Benkelman, NE in Dundy county. He passed away Sept 13, 1979 at Colby, KS, at the age of 32 years, 10 months and 19 days. He went through grade school and started into Benkelman High School when he developed rheumatic fever while in school. Then he quit school and went to work at various different jobs. The last few months he lived at Sutherland, NE and worked at the Gerald Gentleman plant as a certified welder.

He was married to Bonnie Remington Aug. 11, 1973. Survivors include his wife Bonnie, one son Stacy, one daughter Renae of Chillicothe, MO; his parents, Wesley (Bud) and Helen Bunning of Benkelman, NE; one sister Delores Roney and husband Bob, one brother Jack and wife Connie of Wallace, NE; five nieces Teressa and Sarah Roney, Brenda Laura and Lana Bunning; a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

He will be sadly missed by his family, relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Mon., Sept. 17, 1979 at Jones' Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, NE. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John Mathews, Melvin Duval, Jim Wonderly, Jim Willis, Dennis Pinkerton and Dick Guernsey. Organist was Betty Erdman and singer was Kelly Hayward.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1940?

Fred Bunning

Fred Bunning, son of William Bunning and Caroline nee ,Risch, was born December 12, 1875, at Guest. Pommern, Germany. According to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, he was baptized in early infancy in the name of the Triune God. In the fall of 1884, he came with his parents to the United States, remaining in New York until the spring of 1885, when the family moved to Benkelman, Nebraska where his father took up a homestead northwest of town.

On April 9, 1903, he was married to Sarah Viola Scott of Cambridge, Iowa. It was after his marriage that he started to farm the home place, and after the death of his father, he purchased the homestead, where he Eyed until the spring of 1923. In that year he moved to his farm southeast of Benkelman, where he lived until the time of his death.

To this happy marriage eight children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The children that mourn his passing are Theodore, Alice Hofer, Ruby Leland of Bohtell, Wash., Fern Tanksley of Cehalis, Washington, Wesley (Bud) at home and Ruth Newman of Haigler, Nebr.

The deceased had been in failing health for about three years. In seeking a remedy for his ailment he went to the University Hospital at Omaha last May, but his ailment was so advanced that medical skill could not aid him or effect a cure. He suffered attacks now and then during the summer, and at times he would feel quite well. On the day before Christmas his condition became critical.

He was a kind and loving father, his interest in his family being evidenced by the fact that during his conscious moments before his death, his thoughts were on the members of his family. He departed this life on Tuesday, January 7th, at the age of 65 years and 26 days.

Beside his faithful wife and his children. he leaves to mourn their loss, a brother. William of Iliff, Colorado; two sisters, Emma Scott of Cambridge, Iowa and Elsie Wells of Gill, Colorado. Three brothers, Herman, Albert and Frank preceded him in death. Fourteen grandchildren mourn the loss of their esteemed grandfather. Beside the relatives, a host of neighbors and friends mourn his passing. The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1985

Ted Bunning

A former Benkelman resident, Ted Bunning, died at his retirement home in Sebring, Florida, on January 18, 1985 at the age of 80 years.

Mr. Bunning was born in Benkelman on October 6, 1904, and was a farmer and blacksmith in the area for many years.

He then moved to Maple Valley, Washington, where he was employed for 17 years as a machinist for the Boeing Company. He was also a lay minister of the Assembly of God Church.

After retiring, Mr. Bunning and his wife toured the United States before making their home in Florida. He enjoyed his Evangelical ministering and also spent much time fishing and gardening.

Mr. Bunning was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Gerald; one daughter, Betty Lou; a brother, Bud; and a sister, Ruby.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys, of the home; three sons, Larry Bunning of Renton, Washington, Gary Bunning of Kent, Washington, and Fred Bunning of Maple Valley, Washington; two daughters, Dorothy Clearwater of Kent, Washington, and Kathy Avery, in Florida; three sisters, Alice, Ruth and Ferne; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Mrs. Bud (Helen) Bunning of Benkelman.

Memorial services were held in Sebring, Florida, with burial in Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, Washington.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1980

Wesley Luther (Bud) Bunning

Wesley Luther (Bud) Bunning was born July 3, 1917 to Fritz John Carl and Sarah Viola (Scott) Bunning, north of Benkelman on the Bunning Homestead, and passed away on Oct. 17, 1980 at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, NE.

As a young boy, he was baptized into the Lutheran faith. He grew to manhood in Dundy County and on Dec. 8, 1941, married Helen Irene (Slade). To this union three children were born: Delores, Jack and Dennis. Bud worked as a farm hand most of his life. Maude Lazton, being his first job after he and Helen were married, worked for the Oakley Brothers several years, a short time for the State of Nebraska Road Dept. But his heart was in farming so he worked for several years for Doc (A.G.) Shafer and in 1959 went to work for Ben Gottschalk until bad health forced him to retire. His one big enjoyment was to play his guitar and sing for family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Helen of Benkelman, daughter Delores and husband Bob Roney of Max, son Jack and wife Connie of Wallace, NE; daughter-in-law Bonnie Bunning of Imperial, NE; seven grandchildren: Teresa and Sarah Roney, Brenda, Laura, Lana Bunning and Renae and Stacy Bunning; one brother, Ted and wife Gladys of Sebring, FL; four sisters, Alice Hofer of Benkelman, Ruby Dosky of Santa Maria, CA., Fern and husband Stan Tanksley of Chehalis, WA., and Ruth Parker of Broken Bow, NE; two brothers-in-law, Guy Junior Slade of Wendell, ID., and Leonard Slade of Vliets, KS; a host of nieces and nephews. He was a devoted and loving father. He also leaves to mourn his passing many friends. He was dearly loved by all his family and friends and will be sadly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister and brother, and a son, Dennis.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m., Oct. 21, 1980 at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Walt Barenburg and Josephine Preston and Chris Barenburg and Adele Richards sang "Life's Railway to Heaven" and "How Great Thou Art" accompanied by Ann Benge on the organ.

Casket bearers were Marvin Steinbeck, Carl Gunther, Ben Gottschalk, Boyce Warning, Mason Jones and Ray Draper.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1970

F. George Burchell

F. George Burchell, 89, onetime Benkelman merchant, expired at a San Antonio, Texas, hospital on Monday, January 19, after an operation for the reduction of a hip fracture sustained in a fall at his home. He had been in failing health for sometime and could not stand the rigors of the ordeal.

Mr. Burchell resided in Benkelman for 41 years before he and Mrs. Burchell moved to San Antonio in 1950 to retire. He and Mrs. Burchell observed their sixtieth wedding anniversary in September. During: their residency here they operated a variety store for many years before selling to the late J. B. Jackson. For many years Mr. Burchell served as Fire Chief for Benkelman and was an employee of the telephone company operated by Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Ratcliffe.

F. George Burchell, son of Ida Burchell Keiser and Joseph Burchell was born at Aurora, Nebraska, February 18, 1881, and passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on January 19. 1970. Mr. Burchell attended school in Stratton and graduated from Creighton University School of Pharmacy in 1907. He was joined in marriage to Grace Skillman of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, on September 3, 1909, and for the next 41 years resided in the Benkelman area.

Mr. Burchell was a member of Robert Burns Lodge, AF&AM, in Stratton for 67 years, a member of Alamo Chapter, 0.E.S., San Antonio, and a life long member of the Episcopal Church. He moved to San Antonio with his family in 1950. but always considered the plains of Nebraska as his home.

He is survived by his wife, Grace, 1921 W. Ridgewood, San Antonio, two sons, John of Omaha, and Troy of Taipei, Taiwan, a daughter, Helen of Waco, Texas, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside, services and internment was at Sunset Memorial Park under the auspices of Kelly Lodge No. 1131, A.F.&A.M.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1976

Grace A. Burchell

The POST received a telephone call last Tuesday morning announcing the death of Grace A. Burchell, 87. The date of Mrs. Burchell's passing was not given. However, the cause of her death was complications following an auto accident. Mrs. Burchell resided in San Antonio, Tex.

Mrs. Burchell and her husband, the late F. George Burchell and children John, Helen and Troy were long time residents of Benkelman. They originally owned and operated a variety store in Benkelman, and later owned and operated a Hitchcock County ranch near Stratton, before moving to San Antonio, Tex., to make their home. Her husband preceded her in death several years ago. Mrs. Burchell was a Past Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star Lodge in Benkelman.

She is survived by a son, John of Omaha, one daughter, Mrs. R.J. (Helen) Rose of Portland, Tex., and her youngest son, Lt. Col. Troy D. Burchell of Atlanta, Ga., five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services were pending at the Hoffman Mortuary in San Antonio as of Tuesday, August 24. A more detailed account will be printed when available.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1932

Marjorie Burgett

Marjorie Burgett, youngest daughter of Mrs. Visa Burgett living on Mrs. G.W. Morris' farm west of town near Doane, was the victim of burns that led to her death less than three hours later Wednesday evening.

Mrs. Burgett was in the field with her eldest daughter at a point not far distant from the house. It was near six o'clock and they were getting ready to come to the house when they saw Marjorie running in the yard, her clothing in flames. They rushed to the house and with the use of a blanket, subdued the flames. The kitchen was likewise in flames and these, too, were subdued and Doctor Premer was called. He did what he could for the unfortunate child but she was terribly burned and passed away at near nine o'clock.

The fire started when Marjorie attempted to start a fire in the kitchen range, pouring kerosene on it. Evidently there were hot coals for a two-gallon kerosene can with the entire bottom blowed out gave mute evidence of the terrific explosion.

Marjorie was conscious when the parents and the physician reached her and stated that she had planned on giving her mother and sister a surprise by having supper all ready for them when they came from the field. Marjorie was only eight years old.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1965

Nora (Boyce) Burham

Nora Boyce Burham, daughter of Gilbert and Eliza Boyce, was born February 18, 1880, in Hamilton County, Nebraska, and she passed away April 27, 1965, at the age of 85 years, two months and nine days.

As a child she came with her family to Dundy county in a covered wagon. She was married to Dallas Burham on January 12, 1903, in Benkelman. To this union four children were born, Nellie Pate of Denver, Ida Brady of Marysville, Calif., Ada Mapes and Don Burham of McCook, all of whom survive her.

She united with the Assembly of God Church many years ago and was an active member until ill health kept her at home.

She worked as a practical nurse for many years and she brought health and blessing to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Roxie Selby; two brothers, Clarence and Charlie Boyce. Surviving her besides her children are 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Margaret Boyce, several nieces and nephews and many old and dear friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1911

Mrs. Nelson C. (Prudence Garretson) Burham

Southwestern Nebraska lost one of its noble pioneer women last Friday when Mrs. Nelson C. Burham died at Stratton after a brief illness from brain fever. She had returned the Monday previous from a visit with her sons at Wauneta, and was stricken a few hours after return home with the fever, surviving until Friday.

Prudence Garretson was born on the 8th day of June, 1839, in Clinton County, Ohio; at the age of six years moved to Peoria County, Illinois, with her parents; at the age of 16 years moved to Clark County, Iowa, where she was united in marriage in the year 1857 to Nelson C. Burham, making their home in Clark County, Iowa, until 1886, when she, with her husband and family, moved to Dundy County, where she resided until 1905, when she moved to Stratton, residing there until her death.

She was the mother of eight children, three having preceded her across the river of death. She leaves to mourn her a husband and five children, one daughter and four sons, who are Mrs. Hattie Snider and John W. Burham of Stratton; L.E. Burham of Kearney, Nebraska; Jas. N. and H.F. Burham of Wauneta, Nebraska; also 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1982

Birdie Estella (Beattie) Burk

Birdie Estella Beattie Burk was born at Sutton, Neb., on August 24, 1888, to George T. Beattie and Sarah E. Dailey Beattie. The family remained in Sutton where "Stella," as she was called, grew up, joining the Methodist Church in that community at age 12.

On Sept. 21, 1918, Stella Beattie and David Burk were married. After a brief time in Utah, they returned to Stratton where they farmed until their retirement.

One daughter, Shirley, was born to this marriage.

Preceding Stella Burk in death were her parents, one brother, one sister, and her husband, David.

Surviving Stella are one daughter, Shirley Burk Merrihew of Ashby; one brother, Kenneth of Saronville; one grandson, Rocky of Ashby; one granddaughter, Brook of Hyannis, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many friends and relatives by marriage.

Stella Burk enjoyed cooking and needlework. She loved to read and, together,

Stella and David were avid square dancers, belonging to a square dance club for something like 12 years.

The last four years of her life Stella was a resident of Kinder Kare Center in Wauneta. She died March 20th at Kinder Kare Center.

Services were held Wednesday, March 24, 1982, at 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church in Stratton, Neb., Rev. Prudence Yagmin officiated with Mari Kleinschmidt playing the organ and Wallace Gumrnere, Richard Stahly, Arthur Hawkinson and Daniel Rife singing the selections "Beyond The Sunset" and "Whispering Hope."

Bearers were Kurt Dailey, Arwin West, Robert Kitt, Jim Dailey, Raymond Maxfield and Tom Beattie.

Honorary bearers were Wayne Rath, Kenneth Kitt, Bud Crow, Walter Fox, Junior Kitt and Merrill Maris.

Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton, Nebraska.

Funeral services conducted by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., Stratton, Nebraska.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1985

Lela Catherine (Brannan) Burk

Lela Catherine Brannan Burk was born September 8, 1906, near Tamora, Nebraska, to Willis Anderson and Mary J. Schluckbeir Brannan. She entered into eternal rest on July 2 at the Chase County Hospital at Imperial.

Lela came to Hitchcock County with her parents in February 1908 and lived in the Stratton community the rest of her life.

On January 3, 1940, she and Ray Burk were married in Benkelman.

She was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Anna Louise in 1942 and Catherine Sue in 1945; her parents; one sister, Treda Reed; and one nephew.

Survivors are her husband, Ray; one daughter, Carol Schultz; three grandchildren, Michael Christopher, Teresa Faris and Catherine Rae; one brother, Willis Brannan, all of Stratton; one sister, Helen Sharp of Kerwin, Kansas; and a number of nieces and nephews and many friends.

During the summer she particularly enjoyed gardening and produced and canned much of the family's food. Her winter months were concentrated on handiwork which included many beautiful quilts. She also spent many hours reading and kept abreast of all current events. Her life revolved around her home and family and she had a special interest and devotion to children, especially her three grandchildren.

Lela's passing will leave those close to her lonely but her wish would be for them to continue their lives to the fullest.

Services were held Friday, July 5, at the Stratton United Methodist Church. Rev. Bruce Matthews and Rev. Dale Coates officiated.

Marie Kleinschmidt accompanied Carl Philo with selections "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Morrison Sutton, Gene Kleinschmidt, Clay Mohr, Leland Dicke, Willard Latta and Virgil McClatchney.

Interment was in Ash Grove Cemetery in Dundy County, Nebraska. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Stratton.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1984

Lillie Katherine (Henkel) Burk

Lillie Katherine (Henkel) Burk was born January 28, 1896, to John L and Anna Henkel at their Cheyenne County, Kansas, home.

As an infant she was baptized and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Nebraska. She remained true to her faith by being an active and dedicated member throughout her life.

Lillie attended grade school in Cheyenne County where she was an astute student and especially enjoyed spelling and math. She obtained the level of the ninth grade.

As a young child she enjoyed herding cattle and helping in the hay fields where she learned to love the outdoors and joys of nurturing life and growth. She continued in this way of life throughout her entire life and was always feeling the need to help those in trouble or despair by lending a helping hand or sharing her great wealth of love and understanding.

She was united in marriage to William F. Burk November 17, 1920. From this time forward she and Will made their home on their farm north of McDonald, Kansas, where they raised their family and cared for many a niece or nephew with open hearts. To this union four children were born, Eileen, Bernita, William Paul and Verna.

She enjoyed raising her family, gardening and cultivating beautiful flowers. Lillie's was one of the first rural homes in the country to be beautified by lush green bluegrass and landscaped with shrubs, trees and a multitude of flowers. She was always ready to share her knowledge of plants as well as the plants themselves with neighbors and friends.

She received first prize many times at the flower shows with her dahlias and many others. Her flowers were one of her joys and it was her pleasure to escort everyone through her garden to enjoy with her.

Lillie always prepared bountiful meals and many neighbors and friends were asked to partake of them after she had given thanks.

She gave board and room to many a harvest crew, as Will threshed for many years for neighbors. She was always a true and loving companion and always willing to be of service when called.

Her faith in God was strengthened by the grief she endured from the loss of their only son. Their daughter-in-law remained with them for several years before moving to Goodland to care for her parents.

Later in life Lillie and Will enjoyed the pleasure of fishing together. They taught their grandchildren the joys of camping and taking time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. Some of her greatest pleasures were when she could help or work with grandchildren or share with them some of the fruits of her labors.

Children were always a great concern of hers as she provided canned goods and clothing to the Martin Luther Home and to World Relief and the starving people of Africa. For many years she was a member of Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid Association and held several offices during that time.

Lillie entered into eternal rest October 14, 1984, at the Good Samaritan Center in Atwood, Kansas, at the age of 88 years, 8 months and 16 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Eileen; son, Billy; sisters, Lizzie Lowe, Lena Deyle, Emma Zwerygardt; brothers, John and Henry.

Lillie leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Will; daughters, Bernita (Sramek) Beesley and her husband, Ray of Quinter, Kansas, Verna and her husband, Jack Poore of McDonald; daughter-in-law, Viola Burk of Goodland, Kansas; sister, Anna Miller of Brookings, Oregon; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held Wednesday, October 17, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bird City, Kansas, with pastors Earl Martell and Larry May officiating.

Casket bearers were her grandsons, Charlie Poore, Jim Poore, Curby Poore, Mike Sramek, Everett Miller and great-grandson, Mark Schtiener.

Honorary casket bearers were Ross Wingfield, Chris Andersen, August Schrader, James Domsch, Bill Damrow, Gene Moser, Royce Smith and C.K. Fisher.

Vocalists Hal and Becky Antholz were accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Wingfield on the organ.

Final resting place is in Grace Cemetery of McDonald, Kansas.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1978

David U. Burk

David U. Burk was born on Oct. 17, 1897 in Hitchcock County, Nebraska and passed away on December 26, 1978 at the Dundv County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska at the age 81.

Services were held on Thurs., Dec. 28, 1978 at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Methodist Church in Stratton, NE.

Officiating the services was Rev. Nell Zobel. Organist was Marie Kleinschmidt who accompanied the quartette of Johnny Walker, Daniel Rife, Art Hawkinson and Wallace Gummere. Selections were "Going Down the Valley" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Russell Fanning, Jim Dailey, Arwyn West, Don Bergren, Raymond Maxfield, and Bud Crow.

Honorary bearers were Wayne Rath, Kenneth Kitt, Merrill Maris, Walter Fox, Elmer Dailey and Junior Kitt.

Interment was held in Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton, Nebraska.

Arrangements were made by Jones Funeral Home in Stratton, Nebraska.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1972

John Steven Burk

John Steven Burk, son of Paul and Katherine Burk, was born March 3, 1887 at Ludell, Kansas, and passed away in the Rawlins County Hospital September 4, 1972, at the age of 85 years, six months, and one day.

He was baptized in the Holy Catholic Church April 3 1887, at Herndon, Kansas and was a faithful member throughout his life.

His childhood days were spent on his father's farm north of Ludell until he was eighteen. In 1905 they moved to a farm 12 1/2 miles northeast of McDonald and soon after he and his brother Joe, farmed and drilled water wells together for many years. On September 24, 1913, he was united in marriage to Helena A. Deyle at Benkelman, Nebraska and this union was blessed with six children, four sons and two daughters.

He was a kind and loving husband and father and highly respected citizen in the community. Besides caring for his farm, he found time to be a good neighbor and contributed much to the community life about him.

He served on the McDonald Equity Board 41 years and as President for 40 years; President of the Orleans Equity Creamery 15 years; County Commisioner 12 years; Agriculture A. S. C. Board, School Board activities in this area.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Edward E., parents, four brothers and four sisters. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Helena; two daughters: Irene and husband Oscar McKain of McDonald, Gertrude and husband Verner Winslow of Oceanside, California; three sons: Elmer and wife Agnes, Arthur, and John and wife, Virginia, all of all of McDonald; 13 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three sisters and five brothers: Christina Lintner and Sophia Knapp of Atwood, Anna Dungan of Rialto, Calif.; Ben Burk of Phoenix, Ariz.; Will Burk of McDonald; Henry Burk of Edson; Simon Burk of Clinton, Illinois; and Herman Burk of Goodland, Kansas and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, Atwood, Kansas with Reverend Father Valerian Brungardt O.F.M. Cap officiating. Altar boys were John C. Burk and David Solko and Lector was Mr. Mike Sramek. Casket bearers were Ben Gottschalk, Glenn Burk, Raymond Solko, Edwin Deyle, Lowell Burk and Elmer Burk II with the concluding service and interment in St. John's Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2000

Ray Burk

STRATTON—Ray Burk, 97, died at his home Monday, July 10, 2000. He was born April 18, 1903, on the family farm northwest of Stratton, Neb., to John and Emma (Schmidt) Burk.

On Jan. 3, 1940, he was united in marriage to Lela Catherine Brannan. The couple made their home north of Stratton.

Ray was a lifelong resident of Hitchcock County and devoted his life to farming and caring for his family.

After the passing of his wife in July 1985, Ray continued to live on the farm. He retired at the age of 90 and later moved to Stratton where he enjoyed living closer to his family and visiting with friends and neighbors.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Elsie Dailey, Nora Fox, Edith Lorance, Edna Maxfield and Mabel Green; brothers: Harry, Dave and Bob, and daughters: Ann Louise and Catherine Sue.

Those who survive him include his daughter, Carol, and her husband, Chet Bridge, of Stratton; a sister-in-law, Helen Sharp, of Kirwin, Kan.; grandchildren: Michael

Burk Schultz and fiance, Jennifer Milke, both of Lincoln, Neb., Teresa Schultz of Hastings, Neb., and Catherine Rae Schultz of Lincoln, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2000, at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Revs. Robert E. Berlie Sr. and Theta Dame officiating.

Marjorie Redfield was the organist and Mike Pruter sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Here I Am, Lord." The congressional hymn was "Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling."

Casket bearers were Frank and Garth West, Scott McDonald, Lynn Sutton, and Gene and Clay Mohr. Honorary bearers were Don Merrill, Ed Stehno, Merle Heimeri, Morrison Sutton, Leland Dicke, Cort Mohr, Gene Kleinschmidt and Bill Latta.

Interment was in the Ash Grove Cemetery in Dundy County, Neb.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1989

Robert Ora Burk

Robert Ora Burk was born July 25, 1899, to John L. and Emma (Smith) Burk at the homestead 11 miles northwest of Stratton, Nebraska, and died May 5, 1989, at the age of 89 years at the Heritage in Wauneta, Nebraska.

Robert had lived on the homestead most of his life except the few years after retiring from the farm at which time he moved to Stratton.

He attended school at District 70 where many of the nine Burk children attended. They always walked to school as they had to cross three large canyons, walking a distance of about 2 1/2 miles.

Robert served in the Army during World War II from 1942-1943. He was stationed in California close to LaJolla where his uncle, John Smith, lived. He was a 45-year member of the William Egle Post #281 of the American Legion.

Robert was a good friend and neighbor and always enjoyed helping anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harry E. and David H.; three sisters, Elsie Dailey, Edith Lorance and Mabel Green; five nephews, and three nieces.

He is survived by two sisters, Nora Fox and Edna Maxfield. both living in Wauneta; one brother, Ray, of Stratton; several nieces and nephews and many long-time friends.

Services were held at the Community United Methodist Church of Stratton, Nebraska, Monday, May 8, 1989, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Randall Goeke officiating.

The organist was Marie Kleinschmidt and Elmer Case sang "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden."

Bearers were Kurt Dailey, Frank West, Michael Schultz, Kerry Krutsinger, Lynn Keiser and Garth West.

Committal was by American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Interment was in Ash Grove Cemetery of rural Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., of Stratton, Nebraska.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1973

Ivy Myrtle (Farrens) Burkhalter

Ivy Myrtle Farrens, daughter of John B., and Mary Ellen Phelps Farrens, was born July 3, 1890 at DeWitt, Nebraska and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska on June 10, 1973 at the age of 82 years, 11 months and seven days.

She attended DeWitt public schools in DeWitt, Nebraska. On January 11, 1915, she was united in marriage with Guy Burkhalter at Beatrice, Nebraska. In 1918 they moved to the Big Timber Community in Cheyenne county, Kansas where she resided until the time of her death.

She is survived by two sons, Albert and Arthur Burkhalter of Benkelman; four daughters; Mrs. Guy Main of Benkelman, Mrs. Douglas Lockwood of Kennesaw, Nebraska, Mrs. Roger Taynor of New Carlisle, Ohio and Mrs. Kenneth Lyon of Golden, Colorado; 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Her husband, parents, one brother and four sisters preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 1973 with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Donna Merklin was the soloist accompanied by Anna Benge on the organ. Pallbearers were Clinton Munn, Floyd Pettit, W. M. Donohue, Sheridan Magnani, Walter Chipperfield and Virgil Hatch. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1989

Albert (Bus) Burkhalter

Albert (Bus) Burkhalter passed away at the Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis, Kansas, on Wednesday, February 15, 1989, at the age of 71.

He was born July 18, 1917, to Guy and Myrtle (Farrens) Burkhalter at Wymore, Nebraska. When he was only one-year old, he moved with his parents to the Big Timber area in Cheyenne County, Kansas. He attended Baker Grade School, Benkelman High School and Lincoln Aviation School, where he received his wings and pilot license.

He married Vada Penn in Imperial, Nebraska, on May 18, 1941. The first four years of their married life, they lived in Bird City where he worked as a mechanic. They moved to the farm on Big Timber in 1945, where he spent the remainder of his years in farming.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Arthur, and half-brothers, Ralph and Cecil Crowe.

He is survived by his wife, Vada; four sisters, Alberta Main and her husband, Guy, of Benkelman, Marjorie Lockwood and her husband, Doug, of Kenesaw, Donna Taynor and her husband, Roger, of New Carlisle, Ohio, and Shirley Lyon and her husband, Kenneth, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Irene Burkhalter of Benkelman; half-brother, Charles Burkhalter, two half-sisters, Bernice Anderson and Elizabeth

Norton; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Services were held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, February 20, 1989, at 2:30 p.m. (MST). The service was officiated by the Rev. Bill Leach.

The organist was Marlene Young. Richard Bartholomew sang "One Day At A Time" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Wes Donohue, Alvin Loop, Rod Young, Jerry Owens, Clint Munn and Martin Burton.

Honorary bearers were Floyd Pettit, Paul Ham, Johnny Mays, Virgil Hatch, Sheridan Magnani and Walter Chipper-field.

Interment took place in the Benkelman Cemetery.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1978

Arthur Dale Burkhalter

Arthur Dale Burkhalter, 57, died Fri., Jan. 21 at St. Luke's hospital in Denver. A life long resident of the Big Timber community, he was born April 20, 1920 in Cheyenne county, Kans. to Guy G. and Mertle L. Burkhalter. He was married to Irene Conry on Nov. 2, 1947 in St. Francis, Kans. He was a farmer and a member of the American Angus Association.

He is survived by his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Clyde (Terry) Sutton of Ness City, Kans., and Mrs. Wayne (Cynthia) Sloan of Manhattan, Kans., one son Kevin of Benkelman, four sisters, Mrs. Guy (Alberta) Main of Benkelman, Mrs. Doug (Marjorie) Lockwood of Kenesaw, Mrs. Roger (Donna) Taynor of New Carlisle, Ohio, and Mrs. Ken (Shirley) Lion of Oklahoma, one brother Albert of Oberlin, one half-brother, Charles of Woodland, Wash., two half-sisters Berniece Anderson of Portland, Ore. and Elizabeth Roberts of Prosser, Wash., and three grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents and two half-brothers, Ralph and Cecil.

Services were held at two o'clock Mon., Jan. 23 at the Jones Funeral Chapel with Father Conrad Marranna officiating. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home. Memorials are being accepted to the Cancer Fund.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1978

Arthur (Dude) Dale Burkhalter

Arthur (Dude) Dale Burkhalter, son of Guy and Myrtle Burkhalter was born April 12, 1920, at his home south of Benkelman and died Jan. 20, 1978 at St. Luke’s Hospital Denver, Colo. at the age of 57, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was united in marriage to Irene Conry on Nov. 2, 1947 at St. Francis, Kans. To this union three children were born: Terry, Cindy and Kevin.

They made their home south of Benkelman where he was a successful farmer stockman. He was a member of Supper Club, the American Angus Association, and in 1975 he received the Cheyenne Soil Conservation Award. Dude enjoyed music, card playing, and carpentry. His ability as a handyman will be sadly missed by his many friends and neighbors.

Dude was a kind, loving, and faithful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a friend to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two half brothers Cecil and Ralph Crowe. Survivors include his wife Irene; three children: Terry Sutton and husband Clyde of Ness City, Kans.; Cindy Sloan and husband Wayne of Manhattan, Kans.; Kevin of the home and fiancee' Jeanette Downing of Stratton, Nebr.; three grandchildren Gina and Heidi Sutton and Ryan Sloan; brother, Albert (Bus) Burkhalter and wife Vada; sisters: Birdie Main and husband Guy; Marjorie Lockwood and husband Doug; Donna Taynor and husband Roger; Shirley Lyon and husband Ken; half brother Charles Burkhalter and wife Vaunda; and half sisters Berniece Anderson and Elizabeth Roberts; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1985

Harold G. Burkhalter

Harold G. Burkhalter, 55, 287 Monahan Road, Castle Rock, Washington, died August 24, 1985, at home.

Mr. Burkhalter was born November 5, 1929, in Kansas and moved to Castle Rock from LaCenter 14 years ago.

He was a civil engineer with Weyerhaeuser. He was a member of the Washington Surveyors Association and the Delso Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Celeste, at home; two daughters, Toni L. McClinton of Kalama and Tammy S. Elf of Castle Rock; two sons, Scott C. Burkhalter of Kelso and William G. Vestal of Casper, Wyoming; his father and stepmother, Charles and Vaunda Burkhalter of LaCenter; a sister, Helen E. Wood of Longview; and seven grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Burkhalter.

Services were held August 27 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Longview, with the Rev. Don Brown officiating. Interment followed at Longview Memorial Park.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1971

Charles Arthur Burkhart

Charles Arthur Burkhart, 62, a resident of Fort Morgan for 25 years died in Fort Collins Monday, August 9th at 11:30 p.m. in a rest home.

Burkhart was born October 30, 1908 and spent the early years of his life in Dundy county. He was an excellent athlete and was an outfielder for the Benkelman town baseball team during the semi-pro years in the late twenties and early '30's. He was .employed by the Union Pacific railroad in Laramie, Wyoming during the World War Two years and later returned to Fort Morgan and Colorado.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Alberta Speck of Casper, Wyoming, and Shirley of Alaska; three sisters: Mrs. Ruby Coleman of Edwards, Colo., Mrs. Millie Halligan of Gering, Nebraska and Mrs. Marie Artz of Lincoln, Nebr.; six brothers: John of Akron, Dick of Fort Morgan, Otis of Brush, Earl of Sterling, Marcell of Denver and Vern of Sidney, Nebr. There are three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m. from the Jolliffe Chapel in Fort Morgan with Rev. Harry Kennedy officiating. Interment was in the Riverside cemetery near Fort Morgan, Colo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 2003

Norman Allen Burkhart

Norman Allen Burkhart, 63, of Greeley, Colo., died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003, at the North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1939, at Merino, Colo., to Hubert Milton and Gladys Blanche (Couch) Burkhart.

He was raised on a farm near Merino and also lived it Missouri for a brief time. He graduated from Merino High School in 1958. In 1959, his family moved to Greeley to run the Motel Hoover. He attended International Bible College in San Antonio, Texas, from 1959-62. He ministered among the Papago and the Apache Indians from 1963-65.

On Dec. 28, 1966,he married Evelyn Langley in Evans, Colo. They were missionaries on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona for 17 years. They were also the foster parents of many children for 19 years. They returned to Evans from 1983-86 and then moved to Benkelman, Neb., where he pastored at Grace Memorial Chapel for three years before returning to Colorado.

He was a member of the Destiny Christian Center. He enjoyed gardening, playing his mandolin, listening to bluegass gospel music, visiting the sick and elderly, teaching the Bible and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by sons Brian of Bloomington, Ind., and Brent of Denver, Colo.; a daughter, Rosemary Frederiksen, of Greeley; a sister, Jo Anne Park, of Greeley; brothers Howard of Anderson, Ind., and Richard of San Diego, Calif.; six grandchildren: James and Mark of Wyoming, Andrew, Rachel and Lucas of Greeley and Keira of Grand Junction Colo., and a foster child Beatrice Conover, of Greeley.

Funeral services for Norman Burkhart were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 at the First Assembly of God. Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Garden at Greeley. Allnutt Funeral Service of Greeley was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2002

Dorothy Minnie (Ferguson) Burks

SWEET HOME, Ore.--Dorothy Minnie (Ferguson) Burks was born on Sept. 10, 1913, near Haddam, Kan., the eldest of seven children of Henry and Mae (Bales) Ferguson. At the age of 89 years, she passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002, at Caring Hands adult foster home in Sweet Home.

When Dorothy was nine years old, the family moved to the sandhills north of Parks, Neb. She attended school at District 37 and high school at Rollwitz.

On June 19, 1931, she married Archie Roosevelt Burks. Archie and Dorothy had 11 children. In 1951 the family moved to Sweet Home.

As a young lady, Dorothy accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. She raised her family in a Christian home, taking them to Sunday school and church. Today her children love Jesus and are serving Him.

For many years she taught Sunday school in the Sweet Home Church of the Nazarene. She loved to sing the hymns of the church, often playing them on the piano.

As a teenager she enjoyed riding horses. As an adult she enjoyed being a mother and raising her family as well as raising flowers.

Dorothy had 26 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren have many fond memories of Grandma's house, spending time at her home on Elm Street, the special gifts on their birthdays, hanging pictures in the back hall at her home and the toy box right inside the front door.

Her ability to love is a gift that all who knew her cherish.

She was preceded in death by her husband who was killed in a sawmill accident on Dec. 22, 1955; daughter Lois, who lost her life in a flood at Parks on May 31, 1935; sons Keith and Darl; brothers Alvin and Willis Ferguson; a half-sister, Esther (Ferguson) Hobbs, and a half-brother, Ora Ferguson.

She is survived by her children and spouses: Forest Burks of Sweet Home, Delane Burks, Rosalene Philp and Carolene Pipkin of Salem, Ore., Garry Burks of Sweet Home, Marlene Bertsch of Houston, Texas, Stan Burks of Philomath, Ore., and Linda Nice of Pine Grove, Calif.; a brother, John Ferguson, of Parks; three sisters: Edna Criger of Benkelman, Neb., Evea Karns of Sweet Home and Leitha Christansen of Lebanon, Ore., and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ferguson, of Portland, Ore.

Dorothy was laid to rest in the Gilliland Cemetery at Sweet Home on Nov. 19, 2002.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1996

Clara Estella (Porter) Kollmorgen Burks

STRATTON--Clara Estella (Porter) Kollmorgen Burks was born Nov. 6, 1919, in Atlanta, Neb., to Fred and Katherine (Miller) Porter. She died at her residence in the Grandview Retirement Center in Stratton, Neb., on July 23, 1996.

As a young girl, Clara helped her parents operate Porter's Store in Stratton. Following graduation from Stratton Public Schools in 1937 she attended the University of Nebraska where she pursued her love of music.

In 1942 she was united in marriage to Lt. Martin Henry Theodore Kollmorgen in Stratton. She accompanied her husband on his naval tour of duty to Hawaii, the Philippines and San Diego. To this union two children were born: Barbara Jo and Richard Martin. Upon her husband's death in 1949, she and the children returned to Stratton.

On June 17, 1951, Clara married John Samuel Burks. They had three children: Donald John, Diana Ruth and Geoffrey Rex. The family lived on their farm south of Stratton where they enjoyed hunting, tubing down the river, riding horses and going sledding with her family and other Burkses and their families.

Clara was a hostess, par excellent, from a hot plate dinner in the harvest field to a full dinner table for her guests. She enjoyed playing cards, laughing and having fun.

She was an actively involved member of the Community United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, MGR extension club, American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution. Naamah Temple #108 Daughters of the Nile of Hastings, Neb., Bahia Nilettes of McCook, Neb., and Ola Chapter #317 of the Order of the Eastern Star where she was a past matron. She served as the Grand Representative during one of her many Eastern Star Grand Chapter conferences. She also served on the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Board of Directors in Benkelman, Neb.

Clara enjoyed taking part in her children's and grandchildren's activities. While her children were 4-H members, she was a dedicated leader and helped with other aspects of the county fair. For years. Clara operated the thrift store in Stratton's pharmacy. She also organized a prizewinning scrapbook documenting Stratton's community improvement projects.

Clara thrived on family gatherings. whether it was the Burks family reunion, Christmas at the farm or a visit from one of her children or grandchildren. Her Christmas lighting display will be remembered by her community as will her friendly greetings and warm smile. Traditions were important to her--she never missed calling each child and grandchild on their birthdays to sing "Happy Birthday" and she insisted that her family celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day. Her grandchildren have memories of riding in her car and listening to her favorite marches or Bill Cosby tapes.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Raymond; her husband. Martin, and her husband, John.

She is survived by two brothers: Alvin and wife, Caryl, of Duarte, Calif., and Bill of Marblemount. Wash.; her sister, Katherine Brown, of Lincoln, Neb.; her children: Barbara and her husband, Neal Horner, of Benkelman, Richard Kollmorgen and his wife, Beth, of Stratton, Donald Burks and his wife, Joan, of Lexington, Neb., Diana and her husband, Kenny Ham, of Wauneta. Neb., and Geoffrey Burks and his wife, Pam, of Stratton, and her 12 grandchildren: Trevor and Justin Horner, Andrea, Steven and Brian Kollmorgen. John and Janee Burks, Jeri and Erica League and Dawn, Aaron and Rebecca Burks, who will miss their beloved sister, mom and grandma, but have precious memories of her to cherish.

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 27, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church In Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Organist was Marjorie Redfield and Carl Philo sang “The Lord's Prayer" and “The Holy City." The congregational hymn was "Precious Lord."

Bearers were her grandsons: Trevor and Justin Horner, Steven and Brian Kollmorgen and John and Aaron Burks. Honorary persons were Scott Golding, Bob Forch, Kerry Krutsinger. Karl Klein, Pat Richardson. Gloria Gummere, Gwen Schleeman, Venus Lionberger and Margaret Faimon. Committal was offered by Holly Chapter No. 233. 0.E.S.. with interment in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton. Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1974

John S. Burks

Funeral services were held Sunday, February 3rd at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Stratton, Nebraska with the Rev. Jim Mote officiating. Carl Philo was the soloist accompanied by Marjorie Redfield at the organ. Casket bearers were Larry Whipps, Lyndell Whipps, Donald Randall, LeRoy Barnett, Morrison Sutton, Donalane Golding, John Diehl, James Richardson and Daniel Rife. Robert Burns Lodge A.F.&A.M. No. 173 were in charge of the graveside service. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of Stratton.

John Samuel Burks, son of U. S. and Lulu Conner Burks was born August 12, 1909 in Rawlins County, Kansas and passed away at his home near Stratton, Nebraska January 31, 1974 at the age of 64 years, five months and 19 days.

He moved with his parents to Rifle, Colorado as an infant and lived there four years before moving to Wray, Colorado. In 1918 the family moved to Stratton, Nebraska. He attended school and grew to manhood in the Stratton area. Following his graduation he began farming and remained in that occupation until his death.

On June 17, 1951 John was united in marriage to Clara Porter Kollmorgen at the Stratton Methodist Church. To this union three children were born: Donald, Diana and Geoffrey.

John was a member of the Robert Burns Lodge No. 173, A.F.&A.M., of Stratton, Nebraska, the York Rite branch of Masonry, the Tehama Shrine, .0la Chapter No. 317, Order of the Eastern Star, Stratton Rural School Board until consolidation and then of the Stratton Town School Board, Hitchcock County Committeeman in the A.S.C.S. and a 4-H leader for 18 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers. John leaves to mourn his death his wife, Clara; his children, Barbara and husband, Neal Horner of Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, Richard and wife, Beth Kollmorgen of Trenton, Nebraska, Donald, Diana and Geoffrey Burks all at home; one brother, Paul and wife Verna of Stratton; six sisters, Mrs. Roy (Gladys) Pierce and Mrs. Floyd (Grace) Cushing both of Stratton, Mrs. Wesley (Lillie) Jones of Cambridge, Idaho, Mrs. Willis (Lulu) Bailey of Phoenix, Arizona, Mrs. Leon (Jean) Carse of Palisade, Nebraska, Mrs. Roy ( Ruby) Rains of Stratton, Nebraska and a host of other relatives and friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1998

Paul "Pat" G. Burks

STRATTON--Paul "Pat" G. Burks, 82, died at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb., on Friday, Oct. 23, 1998.

He was born Aug. 9, 1916, in Yuma County, Colo., to Ulysses S. and Lulu V. (Conner) Burks.

After graduating from Stratton (Neb.) High School in 1934, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army during World War II.

He was united in marriage to Verna A. Graham on Sept. 21, 1942, in Seattle, Wash.

He was a member of the Stratton United Methodist Church and held many offices and taught Sunday school. He was a member of Robert Burns Lodge No. 173, Holly Chapter No. 233 of Benkelman (former Ola Chapter No. 317), Past Patron and Worshipful Master, and a member of the American Legion Post No. 281 of Stratton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Gladys Pierce, Grace Cushing and Lillie Jones; a brother, John, and two infant brothers.

Those who survive him include his loving wife, Verna, of Stratton; daughters Patricia and husband, Vince Wright, of Kearney, Neb., Pamela and husband, Harold Potthoff, of Trenton, Neb., Arleta and husband, Donald Harding, of Cambridge, Neb., LaDonna and husband, James Hegwood, of Lincoln, Neb., and Cristi Burks of Hemingford, Neb.; a son, Clarence, of Stratton; sisters: Lulu Bailey of Phoenix, Ariz., Jean Carse of McCook, Neb., and Ruby and husband, Roy Rains, of Stratton; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, and nieces, nephews and friends.

Final rites for Paul Burks were held at 1:30 pm. on Monday, Oct. 26, at the United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Linda Battello officiating.

Marilyn Goodenberger was the organist and Phil Goodenberger, Dan Rife, Wallace Gummere and Richard Stably sang "One Day At A Time" and "Hymn Of Promise."

Casketbearers were Jon Potthoff, William Hegwood, James Hegwood Jr., Jeremy, Andrew and Casey Wright and Patrick Harding.

Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton, with military honors by the American Legion Post No. 231 and committal by Robert Burns Lodge No. 173. Jones Funeral Home of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1991

Alha (Patterson) Burns

COLBY, Kan.--Alha Burns was born in Mullen, Nebraska, to Salina (Longsine) Patterson and John Thomas Patterson on April 26, 1912, and died at the Citizens Medical Center in Colby, Kansas. on July 9, 1991, after a lengthy illness.

She was baptized as an infant in the Episcopal Church.

In her late teens, the family moved to Bird City, Kansas. There she met and married Elmer "Skeet" Underwood. They were married in January 1930. They had one daughter, Elmira.

As her parents grew older and their health failed, Alha took over the management of the restaurant and motor park until her parents' deaths.

In May 1968, she married a life-long friend of the family, Dwight "Ray" Burns of East Liverpool. Ohio. He was a retired engineer with Dupont Steel.

Ray and Alha traveled extensively making Bird City home base between travels. After Ray's death she made her home close to her daughter and family. The past 15 years she lived with Don and Elmira.

After Don's stroke in 1978, she devoted much of her time helping her daughter with Don's recovery. She spent many hours either taking Don to therapy or working with him and his exercise equipment at home.

She leaves her daughter. Elmira; son-in-law, Don David; two grandchildren, Mike David and his wife, Cathy, and Patti and her husband, Phil Sandelin; six great-grandchildren. Brigitte, Stefani, Shannon and Kendall David and Broc and Sage Sandelin, and two sisters-in-law, Vinca Patterson of Oroville, California. and 0llie Underwood of Bird City, Kansas.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Robbie (at age 7), Leonard and Virgil, and husband, Dwight Burns.

Services were held at Kramers Chapel in St. Francis, Kansas, on Friday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Tom Schneider, pastor of the Methodist Church at Goodland, Kansas, officiated. Burial was in the Bird City Cemetery.

The family requests all memorials to be given to Connie's Home Health Care in Goodland.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1990

Robert F. Burns

DENVER, Colo.--Robert F. Burns was born August 14, 1916, in Benkelman, Nebraska. He died on July 6, 1990, in a Denver, Colorado, nursing home. Bob, the son of Jack and Ethel Hollinger, was 73 years old at the time of his death.

Bob graduated from Benkelman High School. He played in the high school band and was involved in track.

After graduation, he toured many states, playing with several different dance bands. In 1940, he joined the family in Boulder, Colorado.

While in Boulder he worked for Hendrie & Bolthoff and Gambles. In 1947 he married Jane Poplett and moved to Denver.

Until his retirement in the late 70s, he was employed at King Soopers and Albertsons as an assistant manager.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jane, his son, Robert, and a stepbrother, John, Jr.

Bob is survived by a daughter, Roberta Lilegren, and his grandchildren, Kent and Michelle Liberator, all of Lakewood, Colorado.

He is also survived by his brother, Dick Hollinger, and sister, Bonnie Wall, both of Boulder.

Private graveside services were held at Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver.

Olinger Mortuary of Denver was in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1991

Emma Minna Maria (Hillman) Burnside

TRENTON--Emma Minna Maria Burnside was born to Fred and Katherina Hillman on April 28, 1901, at Athol, Kansas.

She died January 3, 1991, at El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Nebraska, at the age of 89 years, 8 months and 6 days.

In her infancy she was baptized in the Trinity Lutheran Church at Athol. There her mother preceded her in death in 1905. Then, with her father, grandmother and two sisters, she moved to a farm southwest of Wauneta, Nebraska.

She attended Lutheran day school and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith February 15, 1915, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church near Enders, Nebraska.

She moved to Stratton, Nebraska, in her early '20s and owned and operated a cafe for many years. She married Clarence Petsch on August 14, 1931. He died in 1948. A few years later, she was united in marriage to Winford Burnside who also preceded her in death in 1961.

She is survived by three nieces and three nephews, Lorene Brunkhorst of Stratton, Lois O'Neil of McCook, Nebraska, Lillian Tepley of Elsie, Nebraska, Kenneth Wicke and Victor Wicke, both of Wauneta, and Vern Wicke of Palisade, Nebraska, and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, January 7, 1991, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Stratton with Pastor James Lucas officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist and Wallace Gummere was the soloist. Selections included "Abide With Me" and 'The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Kyle Wicke, Kenneth Wicke, Ivan Brunkhorst, Bruce Fulk, Lynn Hamilton and Dennis Brunkhorst.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton with Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Stratton in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1969

Mazie Mills Burnsides

Relatives of Mrs. Verl Burnsides (Mazie Mills) were saddened to hear of her death in El Cajon, California, on December 31. They were former residents of Max and the Stratton area. She had been in declining health for the past few years and for that reason they moved to California in 1965 to be nearer her daughter and family. Her health failed rapidly during the month of December and it was not known until after she was hospitalized that she had cancer of the liver, which was a contributing factor of her death.

Services. were held at Paris Mortuary Chapel in El Cajon on January 4, with the Rev. Ansle T. Severtson officiating, with interment in El Cajon Cemetery.

She is suxvived by her husband, Verl; one daughter, Lo Rita, son-in-law Joe Bullock and three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, all of California; her four sisters, Mrs. Fred Barker of North Platte, Mrs. Otis Rickard of Max, Mrs. Georgia Crow of Colorado Springs, Mrs. A. G. Shafer of Benkelman; and one brother, Raymond Mills, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; many nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Mr. and. Mrs. George Mills of Max. and one sister, Mrs. David Smith, preceded her in death.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1992

Walter R Burnsides

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif.--Walter R Burnsides died of emphysema Sunday, June 7, 1992, at his home in Castro Valley, California, at the age of 74.

He was born August 22, 1917, in Winnebago, Nebraska, later moving to Dundy County, Nebraska, where he attended rural schools. He graduated from Max (Nebraska) High School with the Class of 1936.

He served in the Navy during World War II. Alter the war he arid his wife. Dorothy, settled in Alameda, California.

Walter was a carpenter and a member of Local 713 of the Carpenters Union until his retirement in 1982. He lived in Castro Valley for the past 39 years and was a member of the First Christian Church of Fremont, California.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy (Johnson) Burnsides of Castro Valley, two daughters. Jacolyn Padgett of San Jose, California, and Phyllis Groccia of Sunnyvale. California; four sons, Rodney Burnsides of Castro Valley, Barry Burnsides of Fremont, Kerry Burnsides of Livermore, California, and Randal Burnsides of Ft.Richardson, Alaska: one brother. Raymond Strong of Sioux City, Iowa; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 12, 1992, at the Chapel of the Chimes mortuary with graveside rites immediately following in the mortuary's memorial park.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 2006

Hester Elaine (Antholz) Burr

Hester Elaine (Antholz) Burr was born on Feb. 20, 1929, to Adolph and Leona (Talman) Antholz in McDonald, Kan. She was reborn through the water of holy baptism on Sept. 30, 1930. She was confirmed in the faith into which she was baptized on Oct. 15, 1944, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Neb.

She was married to Clifford Lynn Burr on Nov. 17, 1946, in Goodland, Kan., by Pastor Ludwig Scholl and they lived together in the bonds of matrimony for 29 years until Clifford's death on April 25, 1975. Hester was taken to her eternal rest on Sunday, March 12, 2006, having attained the age of 77 years and 20 days.

Hester is survived by her two sons: Douglass and wife, Donna, of Omaha, Neb., and Rodney and wife, Cathlena, of Albuquerque, N.M.; grandchildren Heather Searman and husband, Jeff, of Omaha, Gregory and wife, Sharlee, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ian and Hannah of Albuquerque; a sister, Beverly Higgins, and Darwin of Bird City, Kan., and a brother, Albert Antholz, and Ana of McDonald.

An evening service was held at Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colo., on Monday, March 20, 2006. The mortal remains of Hester were committed to the ground in the hope of the resurrection of the body, everlasting, on Tuesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1978

Vonda I. (Bash) Burr

Vonda I. Burr of Bird City died Wed., Oct. 4 at the Northwest Medical Center in Goodland, Kans. She was born Feb. 14, 1919 in Dundy County to James 0. Bash and Flossie E. Artist. She was married April 28, 1937 to Roy I. Burr. She was a member of the Bird City United Methodist Women and was active in community affairs.

She is survived by her husband of Bird City, two daughters, Gloria Granger, Aurora, N.J., and Orian Corder of Park Forrest, Ill., three brothers Gay and Clinton Bash of Benkelman and Doffis Bash of Albany, Ore., and three grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Beverly and one sister Vina.

Memorials are being accepted to the Nuclear Scanner at the Northwest Medical Center in Goodland.

Private funeral services were held at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman. at 1:00 p.m. Sat., Oct. 7 with the Rev. Paul Gilbert officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1973

Clara Etta (Errett) Burr

Clara Etta Errett Burr, daughter of Henry C. Errett and Annie E. Summers Errett, was born August 7, 1878 at Harlan, Shelby county, Iowa and passed away at Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, Nebraska on May 21, 1973 at the age of 94 years, nine months and 14 days.

She moved with her parents to Cowles, Webster county, Nebraska where she was united in marriage to Abe H. Burr on April 15, 1900. They made their home in Smith county, Kansas. In 1906 they moved to a farm north of Bird City, Kansas where they resided until 1937, then moved to Pharr, Texas for six years, then to Benkelman, Nebraska for three years. They moved to Bird City in 1947 where they remained until his death in 1953. Clara continued to live in her own home until March 5, 1973.

To this union five children were born, three sons and two daughters. She was baptized into Christ January 1903 by Bro. Byerly in Franklin, Nebraska and remained a faithful member to the end of life.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband on June 27, 1953 and one son, Ralph, on April 27, 1922. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one granddaughter and one great-grandson.

She leaves to mourn two daughters, Mrs. Iva Taylor, Yacolt, Washington and Mrs. Edna Gipe, Bird City: two sons. Hary and Roy both of Bird City; one son-in-law; one daughter- in-law; 13 grandchildren: 31 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; one brother, John Errett of Portland. Oregon and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman at 2:00 p.m. MST. May 23, 1973 with Roger Puckett officiating. Interment was in the Bird City cemetery.

People attending services from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hidy, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hidy, Mamie Hidy, Lonnie Hidy, Leah Hidy. Ruth Hidy, Roy Hidy and son, Helen Hidy. Betty Robison and Jim, Trenton, Nebr.: Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hidy, McCook, Nebr.; Elizabeth Burr, Utica, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Burr, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Burr, Flagler, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Max Ross, Otis, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Burr and family, Pasadena, Calif.; Mrs. Merle Hitchcock, Fallbrook, Calif.; Rodney Hitchcock, San Bernardino, Calif.; Mrs. Mildred Shipherd, Kaysville, Utah; Mrs. Lily Ruth Edmonston, Security, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Burr, Kansas City, Kans.; Mrs. Marie Penner and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Grover Rogers, Hutchinson, Kansas and Mrs. Johnnie Rooney, Stratton, Nebraska.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1984

Roy I. Burr

Roy I. Burr was born May 25, 1914, on a farm in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and died May 17, 1984, in that same county.

He married Vonda Bash on April 28, 1937.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Vonda; his daughter, Beverly, and two brothers, Ralph and Harry.

He is survived by his daughter, Orian Corder, and her husband, Marvin of Park Forrest, Illinois; daughter, Gloria, and her husband, Jim Baty of Phoenix, Arizona; three grandchildren, Debbie and Dave Corder and Robert Barker Jr.; and two sisters, Edna Gipe of Bird City, Kansas, and Iva Taylor of Wacott Washington.

A graveside service was held Monday May 21, 1984, at 10 a.m. at the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman, Nebraska, with Rev. Dan Waters officiating.

Bearers were Ron LeValley, Jack Maring, Richard Burr, Jim Baty, Larry Gipe, Clifford Chipperfield and Lee Beeson.

Funeral arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 2002

William Neal Burr

BIRD CITY, Kan.--William Neal Burr was born Aug. 12, 1931, to Frank and Jessie (Cram) Burr on the family farm north of Bird City. He died Aug. 29, 2002, at the age of 71.

He went to the country school near his home until the fourth grade and then attended town school and graduated with the Class of 1949.

On June 17, 1951, he married Darlene Joyce Amack in St. Francis, Kan., at the Christian Church. To this union were born two children: Belinda Jean and Richard Craig.

On Nov. 26, 1951, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas and New Mexico. After two years he returned to take over the farm. He started farming when he was 16, first working for other farmers and then he took over his father's farm and lived there until Oct. 16, 1995, when they moved to Bird City. He loved to work with cattle and work the ground for planting. He worked some on the farm until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Melba, and husband, Ben Herrman; a brother-in-law, Lee Combs, and his father-in-law and mother -in-law, Chester and Vivian Amack.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene; son Richard; daughter Belinda and son-in-law, Michael Boyson; grandchildren Michael Boyson, Trisha and husband, Gary Taylor, Nicholas Boyson and wife, Heather, and Marci and husband, Jason Finley; great-grandchildren McKayla, McKenzie and Keigan Taylor and Jayden Boyson; a sister, Lois Combs, of Larned, Kan.; three sisters-in-law and their husbands: Betty and Lyle Lukas, Phyllis and Ray Reade and Shirley and Ike Gorman; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002, at the United Methodist Church in Bird City with Pastor Doug Mason officiating. Burial was in the Bird City Cemetery with military honors by the Bird City American Legion Post 352.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1944

Myrtle J. (Clements) Burrell

Mrs. Myrtle J. Burrell died at a local hospital last Saturday evening following a long illness. She had been ill at home for many months and had been hospitalized for the past 90 days.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Max Methodist church. Singers were D. E. Gallatin, Lloyd Boswell, Mrs. Richard Gardner and Mrs. Harley Howard, with Mrs. Hazel Sutton at the piano. Pallbearers were Budd Crow, Boyd Raichart, Ben Foster, Henry Johnson, Clyde Pursley and Ted Schwartz.

Funeral direction was in charge of Miss Lizzie McEvoy. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Mrs. Burrell was the step-mother of M. Harve Selby and a sister of Mrs. Horace Clements, who, with her son Tommy, along with many admiring friends, survive her. Her husband preceded her in death in May, 1943. He too, had been ill for many months preceding his passing. Mrs. Burrell was 56 years and 4 months of age when death called her.

She was a highly esteemed and respected woman who counted her friends by her acquaintances, and the community in which she lived so long and loved so well sorrows now in the passing of their splendid neighbor and friend.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1943

Henry Pierce Burrell

H. P. Burrell. early pioneer of th section south of Max, and resident of Dandy county for many years, passed away at his home Sunday. His death was not unexpected since his condition had been critical for weeks and it was fully known that his earthly existence was rapidly nearing its close. Funeral services were held at the Max Methodist church Tuesday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. David Brynoff pastor of the Baptist church, assisted by Rev. J. C. Foster of the United Presbyterian church. Miss Lizzie McEvoy was the funeral director. Singers were R. D. Druliner, Mrs. Frances Nelson, Mrs. Richard Gardner and Lloyd Boswell. Mrs. E. S. Sutton presided at the piano. Pallbearers were Boyd Raichart, Ben Foster, George Russell, Ted Schwartz, Tom Wilkens and Budd Crow. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Henry Pierce Burrell was born January 10th, 1861, at Beloit, Wisconsin and departed from this life May 30th, 1943, at his home near Max, Nebraska, at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 20 days.

He moved to Jesup. Iowa, with his parents when five years of age. In the fall of 1887 he came to Dundy county, Nebraska. where he later homesteaded. About 10 years later Mrs. Burrell passed away and Mr. Burrell returned to Iowa with his two daughters. There they made their home for 12 years with his sister, Mrs. Wilkins. Then he returned to the homestead in Nebraska, where he lived until 1920 when he purchased the small farm on which he spent the last 23 years of his life.

He was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Clements on January 22, 1928. To them was born one son, Thomas Loren Burrell. Mr. Burrell was preceded in death by his father, mothe,. brothers and sisters.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, one son, Tommy; two daughters, Mrs. Louida Selby and Mrs. Mary Selby; three grandchildren, Donald and Leroy Selby and Mrs. Fern Benge; two great grandchildren, Gary Lee and Marcia Ann Benge, and a host of relatives and friends.

Mr. Burrell became a Christian when in Iowa. When he returned to Nebraska he joined the Highland church north of Max. In 1928 he transferred his membership to the Max M. E. church. His life was a testimony to the faith he professed. His thoughtful kindness will he missed alike by loved ones and neighbors.

About four months ago Mr. Burrell consulted a physician about his health.. On May 14th he suffered a light stroke which confined him to his bed. All that loving hands could do was done for him but the Lord called him to higher service. During his illness he was patient in his suffering and thoughtful of those who cared for him.

He was a kind and loving husband and father and they thank God for every remembrance of him.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September1969

Gertrude (McDonald) Burrows

A long and dedicated life came to an end when Mrs. Gertrude Burrows passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, on September 24, 1969. Mrs. Burrows was 89 years, 8 months and 26 days old.

Jay's Funeral Home of Benkelman and Jones Funeral Home of Mitchell were in charge of the arrangements. The funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Mitchell, Nebr., with Revs. E. A. McGill and Lawrence Dry officiating, and the members of the Sunflower chapter of the Eastern Star in charge. Paul Kuxhausen was the soloist and Marilyn Wagner the organist. Bearers were Harold Bartz, Leland Bowen, Lloyd Bowen, Ralph Fitzekam, Austin Scott and Carl Summerville. Interment was in the Mitchell cemetery.

Mrs. Burrows is survived by her three children, Gertrude Burrows of San Bernardino, California; Donald of Sidney and Gurney of Benkelman; two daughters-in-law, five grand daughters, and families, three grandsons and nephews and nieces. She was proceeded in death by her husband and a granddaughter.

Mrs. Burrows was born on December 28, 1879 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the only child of Malcolm and Elzina McDonald. She spent her childhood and adolescent years in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. She received her higher education from the Moorehead State Normal College in Moorehead, Minnesota, and upon graduation, taught for seven, years prior to her marriage.

On August 14, 1907, she was united in holy matrimony to Oliver P. Burrows. Within six months the newlyweds made their home in Mitchell where they resided for over half a century.

After Mr. Burrow's death in 1962, Mrs. Burrows spent three winters as her daughters' guest in California. On October 1965 she came to Benkelman to make her home with Gurney and family and also visited Don's home at regular intervals. Prior to her entering the Dundy County Hospital, Mrs. Burrow's spent a year as a guest in the Good Samaritan Village in St. Francis, Kansas.

Mrs. Burrows was a modest and unassuming person of the highest integrity. She delighted her family and friends with her keen mind and wide knowledge of community, national and world affairs. She was a deep thinker and an excellent listener, and was held in very high regard by all with whom she came in contact. Her devotion to her family leaves many precious memories.

Mrs. Burrows belonged to the United Methodist Church of Mitchell. Before the church was organized there, the Burrows home was the gathering place for Sunday school and choir practices. The Epworth League in Mitchell took birth there too. Mrs. Burrows led the choir for many years and her lovely soprano voice was enjoyed by many.

She was also very active in the Ladies Aid. Mrs. Burrows was very community minded and served in many organizations in numerous capacities for years. There are still those who remember her as their Noble Grand in the Rebecca Lodge. and also recollect her outstanding drill teams which attracted wide acclaim. She also served as Worthy Matron of Sunflower Chapter No. 214 of the Eastern Star and was their faithful and efficient secretary for nearly twenty years. Burrows held the title of Admiral in the Honorary Nebraska Navy and belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary in Mitchell.

Her devotion and concern for people was genuine and her sense of humor and true understanding of the hunan heart made her a great favorite of the younger set. Of frugal nature as far as her own desires were concerned, Mrs. Burrows was a generous and silent giver to many worthy causes.

The memory of Gertrude Burrows will live on brightly in the hearts of her family and friends.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1971

Gurney Edwin Burrows

Dundy county lost a well known and highly respected citizen when Gurney Edwin Burrows lost his life in a farm accident on Saturday. He was 59 years of age.

The fatal accident occurred at the Borrows farm east of Benkelman shortly after noon Saturday while Gurney was mowing weeds on uneven terrain and the tractor tipped over on him. Life had left him before medical assistance could be rendered. The Benkelman Fire Department rescue squad rushed to his aid but his injuries were of a terminal nature.

Mr. Burrows had been a resident of Dundy county since 1954 when he came here to help develop the Soil Conservation District in Dundy County. He had previously so served in Hitchcock County. He was recognized by the Dundy county conservation patrons as a dedicated individual always ready to do more than his part to work out a successful program with the cooperators. In addition to his good works in this area he was always ready to contribute his skills and understanding to other community problems and his civic enterprise and his work in the church were much to the benefit of all concerned. He was a man of clear vision and through his varied experiences in the world had learned how to work comfortably with people.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church on Tuesday morning with the Rev. Allan Martin and the Rev. Homer Clements officiating. Mrs. Gwen Bauer was the organist and Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Case and Jim Case the singers. Bearers were Harold Brunswick, Ben Martin, Glen Buchta, James Keen, Bruce Edwards and Bruce Wather. Honorary bearers were Chris Andersen, Henry Frenzen. Jerry Willhoft, Clifford Ham, Ray Keiser, Larry Williams, Burdette Wilson, Walter Jensen, Lee Bowers. William Gubser, Ray Harford, Dale Lingo, Frank Weiss and Rex Daniels. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery where the Martin F. Bowles Post No.65 of the American Legion conducted committal services. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Gurney Edwin Burrows was, born January 31, 1912, at Mitchell, Nebraska, the second son of Oliver and Gertrude Burrows. He passed away Saturday. June 26, 1971 at the age of 59 years, four months and 25 days.

He lived with his parents, a brother and sister until he went to Nebraska State Teacher's College in Chadron, Nebr. He put himself through school by working in the old power plant. The middle of the depression years caught him like thousands of other graduates grasping at any job available. Gurney tackled some of the lowest types of labor always striving to do his best in any of them and finally achieved a position as Supt. of Schools. He was the local Soil Conservation Service Representative in Dundy County at the time of his death.

Gurney's travels in search of work took him to many parts of the U. S. and his life held some fascinating experiences. He acquired many useful skills, learning from the real experts he met along the way. He loved to use his hands and seemed always able to draw plans and create beauty.

Gurney served his country in Europe during World War II and again during the Korean Conflict when he gave up his studies at the University of, Nebraska to serve in the armed forces. Gurney later graduated from the University of Nebraska with distinction earning membership in two agricultural honorary fraternities.

He was married to Tania at Paris, France on September 8, 1946 and to this union four children were born: Greg, Chris, 0llie and Tim. His daughter, Chris, was lost in infancy but Gurney's pride and joy in life were his sons, whom he guided lovingly and fairly. Gurney's love of the land made him appreciate his work. He was a true conservationist at heart, sincerely trying to find the best solution to a problem that farmers and ranchers were struggling with. He never hesitated to consult with his co-workers and superiors in order to give proper recommendations to the one who wanted to have them.

Gurney was a member of the United Methodist Church and of the International Order of Odd-fellows. He belonged to many other organizations related to his work. He was a man of integrity and his given word was a kept word.

Hie respected others' privacy beause he treasured his own so much and was very tolerant of his fellowman. "Actions speak louder than words" was one of his favorite sayings and he lived by it, staying in the background but doing his part.

Gurney was humble and the world of the common man was his. He loved to tease and was lots of fun and his presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Chris.

He is survived by his wife, Tania; his three sons: Greg, serving with the Armed Forces and stationed in North Carolina, Ollie and Tim of Benkelman; a brother, Donald, of Sidney, Nebraska; a sister. Gertrude Burows of San Bernardino, California, and by other relatives and a host of friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1991

Edna Pauline (Trembly) Busby

ST. FRANCIS--Edna Pauline Busby, age 78, died Wednesday, January 23, 1991, at the Good Samaritan Village in St. Francis, Kansas, where she had been a resident after she suffered a stroke in August 1982. She was also a resident at the Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska, for two years.

Pauline "Pudge" Trembly was born June 4, 1912, the middle child of nine, to Fernando Wesley and Irene Jane (Bowker) Trembly in Benkelman. She grew up and attended school in rural Dundy County, Nebraska.

Pauline was married to Leonard Blue in 1931 and to this union was born one son, Merlyn Dale.

In 1936, Pauline and her son moved to St. Francis where she was a housekeeper for John Busby and assisted him in taking care of his four children after their mother's death. John and Pauline were married in 1942 and four children were born to this union.

Pauline was a loving wife and mother, helpmate and friend to all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. She was hardworking and maintained her home and garden and still devoted time to assisting her husband, John, in operating the service station for 43 years. She enjoyed life so much and always had a smile in good times and bad.

Preceding her in death were her parents, one step-son, Don, seven brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, John; eight children, Willard and Bonnie Busby, Jean Miller and Sam and Judy Busby, all of St. Francis, Dick and Peg Busby of Casper,

Wyoming, Merlyn and Wilma Blue of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jens and Sandra Christensen of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Jerry and Sharon Barnett of Perryton, Texas, Jerry and Carla Busby of Cedaredge, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Ruth Busby, of Phoenix, Arizona; her sister, Irene Douglas, of Holyoke, Colorado, 46 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Services were held at the Christian Church in St. Francis with the Rev. John Bartlett officiating.

Bearers were Merlyn Blue Jr., Christopher Christensen, Doug Busby, Malcolm Blue, Dennis Busby and Andy Busby.

Interment was in the St Francis Cemetery with arrangements by Kramer Chapel of St Francis.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1999

Allie (Porter) Bush

HAIGLER--At the age of 104 years, Allie Bush passed away on Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, in Wray, Colo. She was born on Aug. 6, 1895, in Beadle County, S.D., to Joseph Laughlin and Elizabeth (Deeg) Porter.

At the age of three weeks, the family moved to Missouri. They then moved to Bartley, Neb., where Allie graduated from the Bartley High School.

In 1912 the Porters drove to San Diego, Calif., to the World's Fair from Bartley. Allie remembered this as a great experience at that day and age.

Allie married Oren Bush on Sept. 12, 1917, in McCook, Neb. They moved to Haigler, Neb., and lived in this area their entire married lives, working very hard farming side by side.

When Allie was 80 she started painting and enjoyed working with both acrylic and watercolor. She spent much time working in her garden and yard and had many beautiful flowers for all to enjoy.

Allie was a member of the United Methodist Church in Haigler. For many years she was a member of the General Federation of Women's Club, the Cloverleaf Extension Club and the Helping Hands Club. One of her greatest pleasures was going to the Golden Inn in Haigler for dinner and attending the monthly card parties.

She is survived by her sons: Dale and wife, Velma, of Lincoln, Neb., and David and wife, Dot, of Wray; a daughter, Dorothy Clegg, of Wray; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Bush, of Mt. Pleasant, Mich.; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Donald, and four brothers.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, at the Haigler United Methodist Church with the Rev. Theta Dame officiating. Burial was in the Haigler Cemetery. Spellman-Schmidt-Baucke Mortuary of Wray was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Haigler United Methodist Church.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1991

Donald O. Bush

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. --Donald 0. Bush of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, died December 3, 1991, at Mid Michigan Regional Medical Center in Midland.

Visitation was at the Helms Funeral Home. Funeral services were at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant with the Rev. Ronald Thompson officiating. Burial was at Memorial Gardens in Mount Pleasant.

Bush was born January 12, 1920, in Haigler, Nebraska, to Allie (Porter) and Oren Bush. He married Barbara (Darwin) Bush on June 1, 1947, in Nebraska.

He had lived in Mount Pleasant since 1961.

Bush was a Professor Emeritus, retiring from Central Michigan University after 25 years of service. He was president of the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant and a Life Member of the National Community Education Association, the Michigan Congress of School Administrators and the Council of Education, Facility Planners, International.

In 1986, he was elected to the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. Prior to moving to Michigan, Bush worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Education.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara J., of Mount Pleasant; two sons, Noel and his wife, Karen, of Midland, and Mark of Woodhaven, Michigan; his mother, Allie Bush, of Haigler; two grandchildren, Justin and Allie Marie; two brothers, Dale Bush of Lincoln, Nebraska, and David Bush of Haigler, and a sister, Dorothy Clegg, of Wray, Colorado.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1925

Fred Brown (Ernest Bush?)

Fred Brown came into the limelight two years ago when he chained two women and held them captive for days. A manhunt followed that was one of the most sensational in the history of Nebraska crime.

The Rev. B.F. Eberhart, who was at the time of the Bush conviction county attorney of Dundy County, was called to Lincoln and identified Brown as Bush.

There is but little doubt in the minds of people here that Fred Brown and Ernest Bush were one and the same person. and none are surprised at his tragic ending in Monday's prison break.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1975

Oren Bush

Oren Bush, a long time resident of Haigler died at the age of 83 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman on Monday, March 3rd. He was born December 10, 1891, the youngest and last survivor of 11 children born to Mary Melissa Starret and David Bush.

Fifty-seven years ago Oren and Allie Porter were married in McCook on September 12th and moved immediately to Haigler to work with a brother who ran a broom factory. He later became a farmer and in 1926 they moved to the farm six miles east and one mile north of Haigler which has been their home since.

Oren is survived by his wife Allie and their four children: Donald 0. of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Dale of Lincoln, Nebraska, Dorothy E. Clegg of Haigler and David J. of Haigler, and also eleven grandchildren.

With the true pioneer spirit Oren and Allie, along with the other hardy neighbors, braved the hardships of the drought and depression of the thirties to raise their family and develop and expand the home farm to the present diversified pump irrigated operation. Oren is probably best remembered as a responsible, hard-working neighbor. He was always a familiar sight around the farm throughout his lifetime including the 1974 season.

Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church in Haigler at 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 1975 with the Rev. Lester North officiating. Mrs. Florence Daniels was the organist. Casket bearers were Noel D. Bush, Mark P. Bush, Roger F. Bush, Michael 0. Bush, Steven L. Clegg, Edward J. Bush, Richard D. Bush and Allan D. Bush. Interment was in the Haigler cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2000

Herbert Busking

PALISADE — Herbert Busking, 80, a long-time resident of Palisade, died Friday (Nov. 17, 2000) at Community Hospital of McCook.

He was born July 9, 1920, to Henry and Lizzie (Schmid) Busking.

He attended St. Paul Parochial School in Wauneta and went on to graduate from Wauneta High School in 1938.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II and was inducted in 1942. He was discharged in 1945.

On May 30, 1948, he married Eulene Anita Brunkhorst at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He was involved in farming until moving to Palisade in 1962. The couple owned and operated Buskings Grocery until 1976. They remained in Palisade after their retirement.

He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Palisade. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a 50-year member of the American Legion, serving as post commander for both Palisade and Hayes Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eulene in 1999; a sister, Lena Doetker; and three brothers, Harry, Edward and William.

Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Richter and husband, Del of Hayes Center; two sons, Keith Busking and wife, Donna, and Larry Busking and wife, Debby, all of Norman, Okla.; a brother-in-law, Ivan Brunkhorst of Stratton; a sister-in-law, Clairene Weimer and husband, Lee Roy of Hamlet; six grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.

Memorial services were today, 10:15 a.m. MST at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta, with the Rev. Larry Rodencal officiating. Private inurnment services and military honors were at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta before the services.

A memorial has been established to KNGN Good News Radio, 1360 AM, McCook, NE 69001 or the Palisade Memorial Fund.

Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1971

Lizzie Busking

Lizzie Busking, daughter of Christian and Christina Schmid was born on September

15, 1883 near Plymouth, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

She was married to Henry Busking of Rosemont, Nebraska on February 21, 1907. They lived on a farm near Rosemont until 1918 then moving to a farm near Enders, Nebraska at which time she became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of which she was a faithful member until her death. She was also a charter member of the Ladies Aid, and a member of the Wauneta Legion Auxiliary.

A few years after living at their home at Enders, they moved to the present home place. To this union were born five children, one daughter and four sons. Three children survive her: William Busking of Wauneta, who resided with his mother; Lena, wife of John Doetker of Wauneta and Herbert Busking of Palisade, Nebraska. Edward and Harry preceded their mother in death. Her husband, Henry, also passed away in 1940. One granddaughter, Donna Doetker, and one great grandson, Terry Fortkamp preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her passing three children, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Herbert Busking of Palisade. one son-in-law, John Doetker of Wauneta, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ed Schmid of Chappell, Nebraska and Mrs. George Schmid of Phoenix, Arizona, a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

She died on December 7. 1971 at the Chase county hospital in Imperial at the age of 38 years, two months and 22 days.

Services were held Friday, December 10th at one p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Rev. Stephen C. Ude officiated. He also read the 23rd Psalm in German for her which was a favorite of hers. Organist was Karen Christner. St. Paul's choir sang “Beautiful Savior” and “Abide With Me.” Pall bearers were Gilbert Nordhausen. Kenneth Wicke, Floyd Nordhausen. Kent Doetker. Allen Nordhausen and Victor Haarberg. Interment was in St. Paul's cemetery with the Brunkhorst Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1978

William Henry Busking

William Henry Busking, oldest child of Henry and Lizzie (Schmid) Busking was born on Jan. 7, 1908 near Rosemont, Nebr., Webster County. He departed this life at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebr., on April 12, 1978 at the age of 70 years, 3 months and 5 days after seven weeks stay in the hospital.

He was baptized in the Lutheran faith in early infancy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church near Rosemont, Nebr. on Feb. 9, 1908. He moved with his parents and family to a farm near Enders, Nebr. in 1917 and in 1920 moved to the present home place. He attended grade school in Chase County, later attending the Parochial School at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Southwest of Wauneta, Nebr. He renewed his vows through Holy Confirmation on March 8, 1921 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by the Rev. Victor Hoffman of which he was a member. He was called to serve his country in 1942, while on overseas duty he was wounded, for which he received the Purple Heart. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1945.

He farmed for several years north of Hamlet, after the death of his brother, Edward, he returned to the family farm to live with his mother and continued farming until he was hospitalized on Feb. 18.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harry and Edward. Survivors include one sister, Lena and her husband, John Doetker of Wauneta, Nebr., one brother Herbert and his wife, Eulene Busking of Palisade, Nebr., several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services were held at 11:00 a.m. April 15, 1978 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. Stephen Ude officiating. St. Paul's Choir sang the selections, "Nearer My God to Thee," and "Abide With Me" accompanied by the organist, Mrs. Loyd Christner. U.S. Flog presentation was by the Willard Hansen American Legion Post No. 304. Escorts were Floyd Nordhausen, Gilbert Nordhausen, Kenneth Wicke, Gaylin Hartzer, Gary Nordhausen, and Fred Doetker. Interment was in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Dundy County.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1950

Arthur L. Butterfield

The Post is indebted to a subscriber in Long Beach, California., for the following story of the passing of Arthur L. Butterfield, who recently died at Lakewood Village, which appeared in a Long Beach paper.

Mr. Butterfield, as will be remembered, was employed in the Cline market here for two or three years and with his wife lived in Benkelman following which he went to Grant to take over management of a store which Mr. Cline bought there and after that drifted to California where he entered business and continued until the end came.

Here is the story of Mr. Butterfield's life and passing from the Long Beach paper:

Arthur L. Butterfield, 49, of 4143 Faculty Ave., died February 7, at his home. A native of Holyoke, Colo., he lived for a time in Sterling, Colo., came from Benkelman, Neb., to Southern California in 1937 and located in Lakewood Village. He operated a grocery and belonged to Sterling Lodge, B. P. O. Elks.

Surviving are the widow, Amelia; two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Menzimer of Huntington

Beach and Mrs. Patrici Callender of Long Beach; three brothers, Edward and Harvey Butterfield of Denver, Colo., and William Butterfield of Burlington, Colo.

Services will be held Friday at 3 p. m. in the chapel of Mottell's Mortuary, Rev. Stafford Williams of the Pentecostal Church of God., North Long Beach, officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hills Memorial Park.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1998

Lora Emma (Freehling) Bye

TAFT, Calif.--Lora Bye, 94, of Taft, Calif., died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998, in Fremont, Calif. She was born Lora Emma Freehling on Oct. 20, 1904, near St. Francis, Kan.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence Morrison in 1954 and Walter S. Bye in 1972; her son, Howard W. Morrison, in 1969; her parents, Peter and Mary Freehling; sisters Alma Roberts, Anne Buhl and Pauline Roberts; a brother, Paul Freehling, and a sister Emilie and brother Karl, both in infancy.

Survivors include five sisters: Lydia Webster of McCook, Neb., Emma Tilton of Temecula, Calif., and Pearline Rath, Esther Walter and Garnet Miller, all of St. Francis; a daughter-in-law, Eleanor Morrison, and her husband, Edwin Maughan, who patiently and lovingly cared for her the six weeks before her death; two grandchildren; Pamela and Mark Morrison; and two great-grandchildren; Alexander and Emily Morrison of Fremont.

She grew up in Haigler, Neb. After leaving Haigler in 1940, Clarence and Lora lived in Doniphan and St. Louis, Mo., before moving to Taft where she lived for 50 years. While in Taft, Clarence died and she subsequently married Walter Bye.

Mrs. Bye was a member of the Christian Church, but recently had been worshiping at the Methodist Church in Taft.

Lora was a dear and caring sister and she loved everyone she met and in return she was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held at the Methodist Church in Taft on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Another memorial service was held Dec. 10 at the Knodel Funeral Home in St. Francis.

Casket bearers were her nephews: Don Webster, Paul and Calvin Freehling, Ed and Dale Rath and David Walter. Interment was in the St. Francis Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1976?

Jessie (Smith) Byers

Jessie Smith Byers daughter of Hanby and Adelphia Townsend Smith, was born August 8, 1885, in Livingston County III., near Forest and Fairbury. She departed this life at the age of 91 years, two months and ten days at the Cheyenne County hospital in St Francis, Kansas, after suffering a heart attack. She had resided at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Francis the past three years.

Early in the spring of 1886, her parents and their two children, Olin and Jessie, moved to their homestead ten miles north of Bird City. They received their formal education at the Evergreen School in Evergreen Township.

On March 1, 1905, she was married to Oakley Byers, son of Edward J. and Mary F. Byers. They resided on the Byers homestead northeast of Bird City until 1922 when they moved into Bird City. To this union four children were born: Vera, Elwin, Edwin and Bertrice.

Jessie will be remembered for her quick humor and happy enjoyment of life. She was always willing to extend a helping hand when needed. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bird City, the Rebekah Lodge and Past Noble Club.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, one brother, Olin, and one sister, Georgia Witham.

Cherishing her memory are her four children and their families: Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Byers of Lander, Wyo.; Bertrice Anderson of Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Byers and Vera Patterson of Bird City; sisters, Mrs. Gladys Bacon of St. Francis, Mrs. Bernice Headrick of Denver; nine grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren: many nephews, nieces and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at the Bird City United Methodist Church at eleven o'clock Thursday morning, Oct. 21, with Rev. Paul Gilbert officiating. Interment was in the Bird City cemetery beside her husband, under the direction of the Kramer Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Kennard Kramer, Bernard Kramer, Don Kramer, Lester Witham, Dean Smith and Darrel Siecgrist.

Out-of-town relatives and friends were Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Byers of Lander, Wyo.; Bertrice Anderson, Bernice Headrick and Elaine Lundvall, Hazel Sawyer, Beryl Rogers, Doris Lane, Ilone Byers, Phyllis Hoover, Marlys Poulignot, Carla Rising and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Bacon, Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Lester Witham, Anton, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Siecgrist, Teela and Dana, Kellee Loyd, Mr. and Mrs. Woody Griggs, Colby Kennard Kramer, Boise City Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Don Kramer and family, Bernard Kramer, Ruby Oster, Althea Belle Sheeder and Hazel Smith, St. Francis.

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